5. Schedule implementation and maintenance: Establish a schedule to implement the expert's recommendations for improving ventilation system effectiveness and maintaining the funeral home’s ventilation system.
Additional studies concerning formaldehyde hazards and precaution guidelines are ongoing and published on the NFDA website.
TRENDS IN EMBALMING
New legal form: Formaldehyde-free embalming authorization In keeping with the trend of moving the funeral industry toward environmentally safe embalming for green funerals, in 2012 the NFDA developed a form that authorizes formaldehyde-free embalming. According to the NFDA, this new form not only serves as an embalming authorization form but also includes a clause indicating that the family
wants the funeral home to use a formaldehyde-free embalming solution and understands that the results may differ from those of a solution containing formaldehyde. Members can download this and all sample legal forms and documents from the NFDA website (http://www.nfda.org/ legalforms) at any time and at no cost (NFDA, 2012b). the body until burial. When dry ice evaporates, it releases carbon dioxide, so proper ventilation is necessary. Because family members may be unaware, funeral providers should inform individuals involved of the fact that refrigeration does not restore a lifelike appearance. If the family or funeral professional feels the body needs some type of preparation, it must be discussed and explained thoroughly to the family representative in keeping with the wishes of the deceased. Cosmetic restoration or intrusive process may not be desired. Funeral professionals should not make decisions regarding features or other standard restorative measures prior to discussion with the family member. ● Only biodegradable items used in all aspects of the embalming and/or burial process. The process of ecobalming, as a complement to a green burial, exemplifies newer views regarding death, funerals, and the celebration of the person. Ecobalming rejects traditional methods used in the funeral industry for hundreds of years. The goal is to provide funerals and burials that are more natural, affordable, practical, and personal, and to provide a more meaningful celebration at the end of life.
Alternatives to embalming Those who desire to view a body but are opposed to embalming because they want a green burial can be accommodated in a number of ways. While many assume that laws require embalming, embalming is primarily required to preserve the body for viewing. Refrigeration or dry ice can be an appropriate alternative, especially for the first 72 hours after death. Funeral homes with refrigeration units can easily refrigerate the body and have a short public or private viewing. Most families require only a few days for the funeral process before cremation or burial, and most human bodies do not deteriorate quickly. If refrigeration is not available, ice or dry ice can be used to preserve Ecobalming The mission of ecobalming is to develop environmentally safe embalming practices that preserve the body as a part of the green burial process. The objective is to have: ● No toxins in the embalming or burial process. ● No secret or undisclosed ingredients. ● Full disclosure of all chemicals and processes. ● Documented environmental impact of all chemical components. ● Little to no impact on the environment. ● Full disclosure and provided Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS, 2015). Cremation rates continue to rise, and funeral homes are adapting to this increased demand by providing the service directly or partnering with a firm. In addition to cremation and the service or ceremony, business revenue can come from video tributes and from merchandise such as urns, keepsake jewelry, chimes, or picture frames that display or hold a portion of the cremains. The reasons for the increasing popularity of cremation include lower costs, ease and convenience, reduced environmental impact, and growing societal acceptance. A variety of religious How green is cremation? Cremation is green because traditional burials are resource intensive and less land is required for housing human remains. It takes an average of 32 square feet to bury a single coffin. But cremation is associated with drawbacks such as energy use and air pollution. ● Energy use: The natural gas or propane energy needed to accomplish the cremation process is significant. Cremation chambers are heated to between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 2.5 hours. Increasingly, the industry is investigating the use
TRENDS IN CREMATION
and cultural groups that considered cremation taboo have begun to accept cremation as morally neutral. Preplanning may also have contributed to its increase. While an individual may feel uncomfortable choosing cremation for a parent, they are likely confident in choosing it for their own passing. While cremains are often scattered, they may also be buried in cemeteries or columbarium using minimal resources. of alternative fuels as well as the use of carbon offsets to minimize the energy impact of cremations. But little progress has been made. ● Air pollution : Cremation chambers emit particulates, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, dioxin, furans, mercury, cadmium, and lead. The average cremation produces about 50 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is the same as driving a car about 136 miles.
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