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 * Full citation. **

Chiappelli, Jeremiah, and Chiappelli, Ted. “Drinking Grandma: The Problem of Embalming.” //Journal of Environmental Health// 71, no. 5 (December 2008): 24–28.


 * Where does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials? **

Jeremiah Chiappelli – Owner of The Chiappelli Law Firm Ted Chiappelli – Associate Professor of Health Sciences at Western Carolina University


 * What is the main topic or argument of the text? **

“Drinking Grandma: The Problem of Embalming” focuses on the negative environmental and health effects of current embalming practices. It analyzes the emotional benefits on embalming bodies and if these benefits outweigh the risks to the environment.


 * Describe at least three ways that the main topic or argument is fleshed out. **

Throughout this article, the risks of embalming bodies using formaldehyde are discussed. These risks include personal exposure to the professionals that work directly with the embalming fluid and potential atmospheric release. By continuing the practice of embalming bodies, professionals are at an increased risk of cancer and other fatal diseases.

One of the main components to embalming fluid is formaldehyde, which is commonly found in resins, plywood, cotton, and certain plastics. In 2004, formaldehyde was determined to be a known human carcinogen, yet it still remains the primary ingredient in embalming fluid. The current standard for permissible exposure to this toxic chemical stands around .75 ppm during an 8 hour work day. OSHA claims though that embalmers are currently being exposed to an average of 9 ppm, well above this threshold. By being exposed to increasing amounts of formaldehyde, embalmers risk cancer, heart disease, and liver damage.

In addition to endangering the health of the people preparing the bodies, embalming practices increase the environmental exposure to toxic chemicals. Current practices allow for bodily fluids and chemical wastes to be washed down the drain into the regular sewer system. While large water treatment facilities can handle small amounts of these wastes, they cannot treat the large volume that is being disposed of. Additionally, coffins contain toxic chemicals. Once put into the ground, coffins will break down and also expose the decomposing body to the soil. Toxins from both the body and the coffin can then be soaked up by plants or contaminate ground water.


 * What three quotes capture the critical import of the text? **

“The National Cancer Institute has reported that exposure to formaldehyde increases the risks of brain cancer and leukemia and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has listed formaldehyde as a probable carcinogen since 1987.”

“When you add embalming fluid, which is toxic, to a dead body, which is nontoxic, the whole becomes toxic waste.”

“The costs of embalming to the public health and environment are at best mild, and the benefits of embalming are cosmetic or illusory.”


 * Explain how the argument and evidence in the text supports your research focus. **

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">This article focuses on one aspect of the funeral industry, embalming bodies. In goes in depth on how this practice is harmful to the environment, which strongly supports my focus on the environmental risks of traditional body processing practices. By continuing to embalm bodies, toxic chemicals are being released into the atmosphere and the ground water. In addition to this release of chemicals, those directly involved in handling the embalming fluid are at a severe disadvantage. By being in direct contact for an extended period of time, these professionals are at a high ricks for cancers and other diseases associated with formaldehyde exposure. To prevent further environmental and health risks, it is suggested that embalming no longer be practiced.


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">List at least two details or references from the text that you have used in your presentation and wiki post. **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Current embalming techniques are hazardous to the environment and the people working with the bodies.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cremation releases toxins into the atmosphere.