Which compounds are prohibited in embalming?

• A. Arsenic, lead, mercury, zinc, silver, antimony or chloral or any poisonous alkaloid
• B. Formaldehyde and methanol
• C. Sodium chloride and potassium fluoride
• D. Water and glycerin

Answer: (A)

Safety and legality govern which materials can be used in embalming. Some substances are banned because they are highly toxic and pose real risks to the embalmer, the recipient’s family, and the environment. The prohibited group includes arsenic, lead, mercury, zinc, silver, antimony, chloral, or any poisonous alkaloid. Their extreme toxicity made them historically attractive for preservation or poisoning, but modern regulations ban them to protect people and public health. In contrast, formaldehyde-based fluids and related solvents are allowed when used within regulated guidelines, since they’re the standard under controlled concentrations for preservation and disinfection. Substances like sodium chloride, potassium fluoride, water, or glycerin aren’t prohibited because they don’t carry the same level of toxicity risk and are commonly used in permitted embalming formulations.