Modern Embalming - UK
What is Embalming?
Embalming is a process that involves the replacement of the natural fluids in the body. This is carried out by the injection of a sanitizing and disinfecting solution into the arterial system.
Why Embalm?
Modern embalming is we believe, necessary for three reasons:
Protection: - by this we mean the protection of all who come into contact with the deceased. Primarily family & friends if they visit their loved one in the Chapel of Rest, and also the staff at the funeral company. Protection comes from the embalming process by way of the fact that the body is hygienically treated and this kills bacteria and viruses, therefore greatly reducing the risk of cross infection.
Presentation: - the Funeral Director will always lay out the deceased looking as presentable as possible to give families and friends visiting their loved one the best possible lasting memory and to help with the grieving process. Embalming greatly improves the look of the deceased helping the Funeral Director to provide the best possible presentation.
Preservation: - long term preservation of the deceased is not generally required as the time between death and the funeral is usually only a few days. Embalming helps to maintain the deceased in as good a condition as possible during this period. Therefore, if family members are visiting their loved one prior to the funeral, then embalming will help reduce the risk of cross infection and make the experience for the families as pleasant as possible during these difficult circumstances.
Why AARDBalm?
For many years embalming has been completed using fluids that contain Formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde has been very successful as an embalming treatment for two main reasons. Firstly, it provides good preservation and secondly it provides effective sanitization of the deceased person.
However formaldehyde is a toxic chemical that is proven to pose certain health risks to humans.
Particularly in the case of burials, formaldehyde has some serious environmental effects in the fact that it is not biodegradable and therefore will stay in the soil for many years after the deceased remains have decomposed and may contaminate the ground water table in and around burial grounds.
In the past there has been no alternative to formaldehyde, however there now is an alternative.
AARDBalm is a safe non-toxic alternative to formaldehyde-based embalming fluids. The fluid is a natural, organic, biodegradable fluid that poses no threat to either human life or the environment. AARDBalm still provides protection from cross infection as it is proven to kill bacteria and viruses. It also postpones decomposition long enough to cover the time between death and the funeral.
We also believe that AARDBalm provides a better presentation of the deceased as unlike formaldehyde the tissues do not become firm and plasticised and therefore are more representative of the deceased prior to death.
Now you have a choice
Unfortunately most of us, at least once in our life will lose a loved one and find ourselves having to make the arrangements for their funeral.
When talking through the arrangements with your Funeral Director please do not be afraid to discuss your requirements with regards to embalming and if this process is to take place remember you now have a choice for embalming between formaldehyde a toxic chemical method and AARDBalm the natural, organic, non-toxic, safe alternative.
'...Modern embalming is we believe, a necessity...'