People who are grieving the loss of a loved one are exploited because they are forced to spend more money by the funeral industry. The embalming process poses health and environmental concerns for those who handle the chemicals used in the process. There are alternatives to embalming that are less expensive and more environmentally friendly. Embalming is a complex process in which many Canadians earn extraordinary sums of money to have their deceased loved ones buried and placed in a resting place. Coercion and Deception During a time of distress and duress, many family members make decisions that are often hasty. The funeral industry takes advantage of those who are grieving by telling their family members that embalming is necessary. The undertaker uses the argument that the corpse must be preserved in order for it to be presentable. The funeral director often decides to embalm the corpse without the permission of the deceased or a family member (Mitford, 2005). Once everything is over, the total funeral bill is often more than initially announced and the family is left with a huge bill. People want the body to be presentable at the funeral; therefore, they are forced to pay extra to promote the growth of the business industry (Mitford, 1998). Hazardous Chemicals Chemicals used in the embalming process will cause many health and environmental problems to those handling the solvents. Formaldehyde, glycerin, borax, phenol, alcohol and water are typical embalming fluid ingredients (Mitford, 2005). Many of these chemicals are corrosive and carcinogenic and are absorbed through the skin. They create a safety risk for people handling the formaldehyde and other dangerous chemicals present. in embalming fluids. There are also safer alternatives to embalming. Embalming is a complex process during which Canadians pay extraordinary sums of money for their deceased loved ones. Think twice before making arrangements for your loved ones. Works Cited Chiappelli, J. (2008). Grandma who drinks: the problem of embalming. Journal of Environmental Health, 71 (5), 24-28. Colman, P. (1997). Corpses, coffins and crypts. New York: Henry Holt and Company, Inc. Mitford, J. (2005). Behind the formaldehyde curtain. In S. Scott, D. Perkins, and E. Rothwell, Intersections: Readings in the sciences and humanities (pp. 129–134). Toronto: Pearson. Mitford, J. (1998). The American way of dying revisited. New York: vintage books.