What are some of the chemicals included in embalming fluid?

The main chemicals used in embalming fluid are formaldelhyde, phenol, methyl alcohol and glycerin. These chemicals are added at various concentrations but ultimately get mixed with two parts of water for dilution.

These four chemicals are commonly used to preserve cadavers but can also present hazardous risks. For example, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Its permissible exposure limit is one part per million while airborne, which is very low. Each of these chemicals is known to possess adverse heath effects to the skin, eyes, throat and nose, When working around these chemicals, especially as a solution, it is important for working areas to be well ventilated.