Risks for funeral workers

Research by the GMB general union warns that funeral workers are at greater risk than previously thought from chemicals used in embalming. Glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and its aqueous solution Formalin are used in the process, while formaldehyde is also used in the manufacture of adhesives and composite materials such as chipboard. The substances cause cancers of the nose, pharynx and lung. Long-term exposure can lead to bronchitis, body tissue destruction, brain damage, lung damage and impaired co-ordination.