The Council doesn't think any end-of-life ritual or disposition option is "wrong." We only want to
ensure that services/products are available to people who wish to minimize their environmental impact.
The primary environmental issue with embalming fluid is that contains formaldehyde; a "probable"
.carcinogen according to the US Environmental Protection Agency and a known carcinogen according to the
World Health Organization. Embalming creates health risks for workers and it's associated with several
diseases such including nasal cancer and leukemia. In very few circumstances is embalming actually
required by law, and a "funeral with a viewing" is not one of them. GBC approved funeral directors
make available refrigeration and/or dry ice as an alternative to embalming.