Water is an essential resource that sustains life and supports various activities in both households and businesses such as funeral homes. However, not all water is created equal. Some water sources contain high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions, leading to what is commonly known as hard water. It is important to recognize that calcium is responsible for the clotting reaction of blood and can create clots. Metals ions in general can become lodged in cell walls and block capillaries as well, reducing your solutions ability to diffuse properly.  Understanding the sources of hard water in your funeral home is crucial for addressing the challenges it presents for embalmers  Groundwater Sources: A significant portion of the world's water supply comes from groundwater sources, such as wells and boreholes. When rainwater or surface water seeps into the ground, it begins its journey through various rock layers and sediment. Along the way, it interacts with rocks rich in calcium carbonate (limestone) or magnesium compounds (dolomite), leading to the dissolution of these minerals. As a result, the groundwater becomes enriched with calcium and magnesium ions, causing it to be classified as hard water. Geological Composition: The geological composition of the region can play a significant role in determining the hardness of water in your area. Some geological formations contain high concentrations of calcium and magnesium-bearing rocks. For instance, areas with limestone, chalk, gypsum, or dolomite formations are more likely to have hard water sources. The top five metro areas in the United States that have hard water are Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and San Antonio because of their geological composition. The Midwest in general has the highest instance of hardwater. Internationally, the UK, Canada, and Australia all have a high level of water hardness.  Municipal Water Sources: Even in urban settings, where water is supplied by municipalities, hard water can still be a concern. The water sources tapped by municipal water treatment plants may originate from sources influenced by the local geology, such as underground aquifers or surface water. As a result, the water might naturally contain dissolved minerals, leading to hardness. Surface Water Contamination: Surface water, such as water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, can also exhibit varying degrees of hardness. The water picks up minerals as it flows over rocks and through soil. In agricultural regions where fertilizers and agricultural runoff are common, the water might contain additional minerals, exacerbating the hardness levels. Human Activities: Human activities can contribute to water hardness. Industries discharging wastewater containing minerals can introduce hardness into water sources. Similarly, improper waste disposal, especially in mining and agricultural regions, can lead to mineral leaching into water bodies, increasing water hardness. Water Treatment Facilities: Water treatment facilities are responsible for supplying clean and potable water to communities. While they aim to remove harmful substances, they may not always address the minerals responsible for water hardness effectively. In some cases, water treatment processes may not include water softening methods, allowing the minerals to remain in the water supply. Plumbing System Contamination: In older funeral homes with aging plumbing systems, metal pipes can corrode over time. This corrosion can introduce trace amounts of metals like calcium and magnesium into the water as it travels through the pipes, adding to water hardness. Seasonal Variations: In certain regions, water hardness can vary depending on the season. During the rainy season, water sources may be diluted, leading to lower mineral concentrations. However, during dry periods, water levels may drop, resulting in higher concentrations of dissolved minerals and increased water hardness. Identifying hard water in your funeral home  White Deposits: Look for chalky, white mineral deposits on faucets, showerheads, and other surfaces.  Soap Scum: Increased soap scum buildup in sinks and tubs due to minerals reacting with soap.  Water Pressure Issues: Decreased water pressure and clogs in pipes caused by mineral blockages.  Fabric Stains: Dark brown, rusty, green or black stains may appear on linens and fabrics, such as towels, due to mineral presence.  Lack of foamy soap: Minerals in water prevent soap from foaming up to its full potential, so if you find that the soap you are using to wash descendants’ hair is “flat,” there’s a good chance you have hard water.     Addressing Hard Water in your prep room: While hard water is not harmful to human health, its impact on plumbing systems and appliances can be problematic. The buildup of mineral deposits can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and decrease the efficiency of water heaters and other appliances. This can also be true in your embalming machine, where a hard water situation can be created. If you are an embalmer who prefers to or is required to leave standing water in your machine, the evaporation of the water will leave any particulates behind. If you are not regularly flushing your machine and cleaning the filter, the likelihood of metals build-up in your machine increases. This can be remedied by regularly flushing your machine with Water Clot Guard (1-WATCLOTG) that is designed specifically to isolate and cage calcium to prevent the clotting reaction and the lodging of metallic particles in the tissue.   The Frigid Machine (3-EMB03) remedies this issue by having easily removeable filters and a “clean: function which addresses all of the hydraulic system instead of just flushing the hose and pump.   Frigid Fluid  offers several options to combat the challenges of hard water during embalming, . Water softeners are popular devices that use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, reducing water hardness. Additionally, filtration systems, reverse osmosis, and chelation methods can be used to mitigate the effects of hard water. All of these will help at the funeral home level. During your embalming, you can add to your solution Water Clot Guard (1-WATCLOTG) to treat the hardness of your funeral home water and Plasma Flo (1-PLASFLO) to combat any clots that may be created or are already existing.   In conclusion, understanding the sources of hard water and recognizing its presence in your home or business is essential not only for maintaining your plumbing systems' health and ensuring the efficient operation of appliances such as your embalming machine, but also to achieving the best embalming possible. By identifying the culprits behind water hardness, you can implement appropriate measures to soften the water during your embalming process and service your families the best way possible.

In a groundbreaking stride towards enhancing the embalming process, the Frigid Embalming Machine is making waves in the funeral industry with its cutting-edge technology and an array of innovative features.

Since ancient times, human civilizations have sought methods to preserve the bodies of the deceased as a means of honoring their memory and beliefs about the afterlife. Among the various techniques employed, salt has stood the test of time as the oldest and most enduring embalming chemical used by humans. Its preservative properties have played a pivotal role in shaping the rituals and traditions surrounding death throughout history.   Historical Significance of Salt in Embalming  The practice of purposeful preservation of the deceased dates back thousands of years, and perhaps the most well-known instance of this is ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife and sought to preserve the bodies of their deceased loved ones to ensure a smooth transition to the next world. Salt, in the form of natron, a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, played a central role in this process. The Egyptians meticulously removed internal organs and placed the body in natron for about 40 days. This process desiccated the body, preventing decomposition and allowing for a well-preserved corpse.  The Egyptians' embalming techniques were not limited to pharaohs and the elite. Even commoners benefited from these preservation rituals, though the complexity of the process varied according to the social status of the deceased. This emphasis on preservation highlighted the profound significance of the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture, with salt as a key enabler of their beliefs.  Cultural Applications of Salt in Embalming  Beyond Egypt, salt-based embalming practices spread to various ancient cultures, each adapting and incorporating their unique traditions. In ancient China, for instance, a method called "boiling and drying" involved immersing the deceased in a solution of salt and other herbs, followed by desiccation in the sun. The Chinese believed this process allowed the soul to return to the body after death and continued to perform these rituals for centuries.  Similarly, in pre-Columbian South America, the Incas practiced mummification using salt and other natural substances. They preserved their deceased rulers and nobles by carefully drying the bodies and interring them in elaborate tombs. The use of salt in these cultures symbolized a deep reverence for the departed and a belief in the continuity of the soul's journey.  Scientific Principles of Salt in Embalming  The effectiveness of salt as an embalming chemical lies in its hygroscopic properties, meaning it has the ability to absorb and retain moisture. This characteristic is vital in the preservation process, as moisture is a primary catalyst for decomposition. When applied to a decedent, salt draws out moisture from the tissues, making the environment hostile to bacteria and microorganisms responsible for decomposition.  Moreover, salt acts as a natural desiccant, accelerating the drying process. As ancient civilizations discovered and refined their embalming techniques, they recognized salt's capacity to leave the body in a state of mummification, preserving it for an extended period.  Lasting Impact of Salt in Embalming  The use of salt in embalming not only influenced burial practices but also had broader impacts on ancient societies. The preservation of bodies enabled the construction of grand tombs and elaborate burial sites, which eventually evolved into iconic structures like the Egyptian pyramids. The cultural emphasis on preserving the deceased's body fostered artistic and architectural achievements that continue to captivate modern audiences.  Furthermore, the significance of salt in embalming permeated religious and philosophical beliefs about the afterlife. The concept of the soul's journey and the preservation of the physical form became intertwined across cultures. These beliefs continue to influence funeral practices and memorial ceremonies around the world, shaping how people cope with death and mourn the loss of loved ones.  While modern embalming techniques have evolved significantly, the legacy of salt in preserving bodies continues to resonate.  Contemporary embalming fluids and techniques still make use of salt. A popular technique embalmers use for bodies with edema (a body water content 10% above normal) is to mix strained Epsom salts in their embalming solution. Some embalmers do this with caution as it can dry out the gaskets in their embalming machine. However, the design of the Frigid Embalming Machine (SKU: 3-EMB03) facilitates this technique as it has apertures (passageways) that open and close rather than gaskets. Further, salt is often a component for edema fluids such as Leak Guard (SKU: 1-LEAKG), and cavity fluids such as Pharos (SKU: 1-PHAROS), Premium Cavity (SKU: 1-PREMCAV), Cavity King (1-CAVKING), and 5 Purpose Cavity (1-5PUR). The next time you find yourself with a body with too much water in it, do something that humans have been doing for centuries and use some salt!  

Summer is here and so are seasonal decedent care concerns. While there can be a myriad of season-related issues, we are going to focus on how the increase in temperature will accelerate decomposition, bacterial growth and an increased number of insects resulting in elevated rates of infestation. As Temperatures Go Up, So Does Decomposition Decomposition of compounds in the body is a chemical reaction. It is a well-accepted fact that increasing the temperature can speed up chemical reactions. This is because many reactions require energy to move towards completion. Heat is a form of energy that can accelerate reactions. One rationale for refrigeration is to lower the temperature to slow reactions that occur in the body. The other option is embalming. Embalming is defined as the preservation, disinfection and sanitation of human remains with the use of chemicals. Often this is achieved through arterial embalming but other methods such as topical embalming can be applied as well. Frigid Fluid offers a wide selection of arterial and cavity chemicals that meet the needs of any imaginable situation. The Impact of Temperature on Bacterial Growth Another concern with increasing temperatures is bacterial growth. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments which are often present during the summer months. As the rate of decomposition increases, so does the food available for bacteria to consume. This results in an increase in bacterial numbers and activity. To combat this, it is important to utilize refrigeration and the proper concentration of embalming solution when working with human remains during the summer. Embalming includes the destruction of bacteria. Sanitation, through embalming, can be achieved using formaldehyde to link bacterial proteins. Neutralization of the proteins kills the bacteria. An example of this is the neutralization of bacterial digestive enzymes. Without functional enzymes, bacteria are unable to process food stuffs for nourishment. This is an example of only one class of protein that makes up bacteria. There are many more, including proteins for motility, resistance, and proliferation. Tissue gas is of particular importance when considering decedent care during the summer months. Tissue gas is caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic gram-positive spore-forming bacillus associated with acute gastrointestinal infections ranging in severity from diarrhea to necrotizing enterocolitis and myonecrosis in humans1. Like all bacteria, C. perfringens has the capacity to translocate throughout a deceased body. C. perfringens can be a challenge during the embalming process. It is known to be resistant to formaldehyde, so it requires additional chemicals to limit this destructive bacterium. Frigid STOP (1-STOP-12), contains a chemical specifically developed to kill tissue gas. STOP can be purchased in 16-ounce bottles. Additionally, Frigid offers 36+ (1-36PL), an arterial fluid that has 10% STOP in its formulation; and Premium Cavity (1-PREMCAV), which also has STOP in it. This additive is great for cases where you might not suspect tissue gas but want the added security that it will not spread if it is present. Increased Insect Infestation As the temperature rises, so does the number of insects that are attracted to decomposing tissue. During summer months, many species of insect can become problematic: flies and ants among others. It is widely known that fly larva can survive on embalmed tissue. This can be particularly problematic during the summer months when flies and other insects are more prevalent. Frigid STOP (1-STOP-12) is also effective at killing insects and larva including maggots that are known to be particularly tenacious. It is also suggested to seal off orifices, such as the nostrils and mouth, to prevent the deposition of fly eggs. In summary, the heat of summer can have a significant impact on decedent care. Temperature increases can accelerate decomposition, increase bacterial growth, and lead to a higher likelihood of insect infestation.   Yoa, P., & Annamaraju, P. (n.d.). Clostridium Perfringens. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559049/1

Embalming can have many challenges, but your tools should not be one of them.

Embalming is the process of preserving a deceased person's body to provide emotional support for the family of the deceased.  Embalming can present several hurdles, among them the following.

I will celebrate 30 years in the funeral industry!  My career over the years has been varied, but the bulk of my experience was and continues to be focused on the preparation room and decedent care.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with professionals across the globe who inherently know embalming is an important and respected profession that helps families honor and remember their loved ones.  It takes a special kind of person to have the skills and compassion to do this work.

Every embalmer knows that decubitus ulcers can be common these days. Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores, are areas of damaged skin and underlying tissues that develop when there has been prolonged pressure on the skin. These sores can be common in individuals who may not be able to reposition themselves frequently enough, such as those who are bedridden or restricted to a wheelchair.

Mold is an increasing problem in funeral homes and specifically decedent care today. The pre- and post-embalming holding times of deceased have increased. Typically, decedents are held in refrigeration in plastic or have plastic placed over viewing portions to protect the face. While this is a good practice, the plastic covering can cause precipitation of moisture to collect on the face and hands, setting up a prime condition for the expansion of spores and the development of mold. But let’s look at a quick overview of mold. Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. No indoor space is completely free from mold spores – not even a surgical operating room. Molds are everywhere, making our exposure to molds unavoidable. This means spores can be found in hospitals, homes, in your embalming room and refrigeration unit. Additionally, mold can grow on embalmed tissue. Molds are categorized in the Kingdom Fungi. They are also referred to as fungi or mildew. They are multicellular but are neither plants nor animals and multiply by producing microscopic spores similar to the seeds produced by plants. In addition to spores the mold structure also includes hyphae. Hyphae are the portion of mold that embeds into the tissue of the deceased creating a very stubborn discoloration that is often bleached and requires the application of cosmetics. To prevent the development of hyphae and the need for bleaching and cosmetics it is important to limit the expansion of spores. Here are my suggestions for stopping spores from growing into mold on the deceased. When the decedent arrives at your funeral home, during the intake process, liberally apply a topical disinfecting spray like Orifice Guard (1-ORIFG) to destroy spores. Orifice Guard contains Isopropyl Alcohol which is known to be highly effective at killing spores. Application should cover the entire body and the lining of the plastic if the plastic will remain on the deceased, for example a body bag. If mold is already visible, apply Orifice Guard liberally and carefully wipe the mold away. Take caution to disrupt the epidermis as little as possible. Doing so can create moist areas for more mold development or conversely dehydration. If the body is going to be held for a period, I suggest applying Antiseptic Velva Cream (1-CREAVELV). This is a unique offering from Frigid. This mixture of massage cream with antiseptic is a great way to disinfect spores and limit mold development. In the post embalming phase. I like to apply Antiseptic Velva Cream to every deceased. Again, this is a great product that will limit dehydration and destroy mold forming spores. If the body will be held for a long period of time, regularly replace the Antiseptic Velva Cream to the face, hands and anywhere else you have applied it initially. As with any antiseptic, there is a loss of efficacy over time when exposed to microbial growth and the environment. I would also regularly replace any plastic coverings as they may harbor spores. Mold can be stubborn and create a situation that creates additional steps to create a suitable memory picture for the families you serve. To eliminate these extra steps, stay vigilant and shore your decedent care with Frigid embalming supplies to prevent mold formation.