Toward safer thanatopraxy cares: formaldehyde‐releasers use

Abstract

Human cadavers constitute very useful educational tools to teach anatomy in medical scholarship and related disciplines such as physiology, for example. However, as biological material, human body is subjected to decay. Thanatopraxy cares such as embalming have been developed to slow down and inhibit this decay, but the formula used for the preservation fluids are mainly formaldehyde (FA)‐based. Very recently, other formulas were developed in order to replace FA, and to avoid its toxicity leading to important environmental and professional exposure concerns. However, these alternative FA‐free fluids are still not validated or commercialized, and their efficiency is still under discussion. In this context, the use of FA‐releasing substances, already used in the cosmetics industry, may offer interesting alternatives in order to reduce professional exposures to FA. Simultaneously, the preservation of the body is still guaranteed by FA generated over time from FA‐releasers. The aim of this review is to revaluate the use of FA in thanatopraxy cares, to present its benefits and disadvantages, and finally to propose an alternative to reduce FA professional exposure during thanatopraxy cares thanks to FA‐releasers use.

Evaluation of Physical Risk during Necropsy and Morgue Activities as Risk Management Strategy

“…In particular, exposure to vibration and biomechanical aspects of load-handling present potential risk profiles, thus identifying possible targets for risk management strategies. Similar analyses have been conducted on microbiological and chemical risk assessments associated with morgue activity [33][34][35]. Further developments could lead to the analysis of the workplace safety climate, perceived risk, and the involvement in safety management.…”

Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk Assessment in an Anatomy Laboratory

“…The management of the anatomy laboratory should consider replacing high-concentration formalin products with low-concentration or less hazardous or formaldehyde-free products and body preservation fluids that are effective in preventing decomposition of cadavers, maintaining a desired life-like appearance of the body, which are non-hazardous for dissection and environmentally safe [56,57].…”

The ‘thanato-resistome’ - The funeral industry as a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance: Early insights and perspectives

“…In cases where human death occurs, thanatopraxy care involving the use of embalming fluids then follows. Embalming fluids and other thanatopraxy care chemicals include synthetic chemicals such as antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, as well as disinfectants, perfumes and moisturisers and penetrating agents ( Varlet et al, 2019 ). Human cadavers may contain residual pharmaceuticals including antibiotics used for the treatment of infectious diseases.…”

“…Thanatopraxy refers to the art and science of preserving human cadavers or corpses for various purposes, including medical training and burial. Thanatopraxy care serves three functions: (1) prevents the decomposition of cadavers, (2) promotes hygiene and suppresses odours, and (3) gives the cadaver, especially the face, more natural appearance to facilitate public or private viewing ( Varlet et al, 2019 ). The funeral industry and thanatopraxy care are closely linked to health care, and play critical roles in the preparation, storage, transport and subsequent burial in cemeteries.…”