Embalming fluid is a mixture of chemicals used to preserve deceased individuals, sometimes only until the funeral, other times indefinitely. Typical embalming fluid contains a mixture of formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol and other solvents. The formaldehyde content generally ranges from 5 to 29 percent and the ethanol content may range from 9 to 56 percent.

Uses

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Embalming fluid is used to preserve the deceased, and is injected into the arteries and veins of the deceased during embalming. Many other body fluids may be drained or aspirated and replaced with the fluid as well. The process of embalming is designed to slow or stop decomposition of the body.

The term "embalming fluid" is also slang for the psychoactive drug PCP, and possibly other dissociatives. Though this usage likely began as a metaphor for the effects of the drug, it has achieved urban-legend status, with some dealers and users believing street preparations of PCP (such as "wet") are embalming fluid. This legend has even found its way into the anti-drug literature.

See also

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• Embalming
• Phencyclidine

External links

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• Information on embalming fluid abuse

Death customs | Drugs | Dissociatives | Substance-related disorders