Chemicals Used in Embalming Flashcards
_______________ when working with embalming fluids.
Wear protection
If fluids are splashed or spilled on the skin, flush these with ___________________
cold running water
When using chemicals, make sure ___________ systems are in operation.
ventilation
Dilute any spillage with ____________ and clean up the spill.
cool water
DO NOT USE _______________ chemicals as antiseptic.
formaldehyde-based
Keep _______________ available as well as chemical manufacturer’s first aid information.
chemical data sheets
Be certain empty bottles that are to be destroyed have been _______________.
**flushed out with water
Keep machine tanks and fluid bottles __________________ at all times to help reduce fumes and prevent accidental spills.
covered and capped
Make sure formaldehyde is remove as much as possible before working with disinfectants such as ______________
sodium hypochlorite
Pour _____________ into a filled jug or tank rather than filling after fluid is in the tank
embalming fluid
What is the usage of formalin?
- Preservative
- Bactericide
- Disinfectant
What is the saturated aqueous solution of formaldehyde gas?
Formalin
Formalin by volume and weight
40% formaldehyde by volume
37% by weight
Formalin by volume and weight
40% formaldehyde by volume
37% by weight
What is the colorless gas with a pungent, penetrating odor?
Formaldehyde
What is the solid form of formaldehyde?
Paraformaldehyde
How many minutes should you wash in free flowing tap water the skin that had a direct contact with formalin?
15 minutes
Go out of the embalming room when inhalation is excessive and stay in a ________________.
well-ventilated room (open area)
Formalin is composed of _______________
- 40% formaldehyde by volume
- 50% water
- 10% methanol
Formalin is acidic due to the presence of ______________
formic acid
Paraformaldehyde powder is used in __________________
surface embalming
Formaldehyde may be a ___________ and is a respiratory and skin sensitizer.
carcinogen
First aid treatment: Formalin
- Wash with free flowing tap water for at least 15 minutes
- When inhalation is excessive go to well-ventilated area
- Flush eyes with free-flowing tap water for at least 15 minutes
- Drink large amount of water
- Call National Poison Control
- Go to nearest hospital
Phenol is also known as ____________
Hydroxybenzene
Originally obtained by distillation of coal tar but now synthesized from other hydrocarbons.
Phenol (hydroxybenzene)
In it’s pure form, __________ is odorless, interlaced, needle shaped crystal, sometimes acquiring pinkish tint.
Phenol (hydroxybenzene)
Phenol has __________, and readily absorbs water from moist air.
aromatic odor
Phenol (hydroxybenzene) is soluble in:
- Water
- Alcohol
- Glycerin
What’s the taste of phenol?
- sweetish and afterward burning
- benumbing caustic taste
Where does phenol originates?
- by distillation of coal tar
- NOW synthesized from other hydrocarbons
True or False:
Phenol is strongly poisonous and irritating in high concentrations.
True
Usage of Phenol (hydroxybenzene):
- Germicidal/Bactericidal
- Disinfectant
- Preservative
- Bleaching and drying agent
Phenol may cause skin cancer.
Phenol is _____________
mutagenic
Phenol can cause inflame or burn eyes or can cause ______________
cornea scarring
First aid treatment of Phenol:
- Wash with free-flowing tap water
- Go out, and stay well-ventilated area
- Flush open eyelids with lukewarm free-flowing tap water for 30 minutes
- Remove contaminated clothing, wash gently and thoroughly with non-abrasive soap for at least 10 minutes
- Rinse mouth thoroughly with water, don’t do this on unconscious person
- Drink 250ml water
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
- Call National Poison Control Center
- Go to nearest hospital
Another term for Borax
Sodium Borate
A white crystalline powder used for making formalin stable in alkaline embalming fluids
Borax (Sodium Borate)
In it’s pure form Borax can be ______________
Caustic and corrosive
Borax is a common ingredient in detergents due to it’s _______________
antifungal properties
Borax is an ___________ and _____________
- alkalizing agent
- anti-coagulant
First aid treatment for Borax:
- Wash or flush eyes with free-flowing tap water
- Drink large amount of water
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
- Call National Poison Center
- Go to nearest hospital
Describe glycerin
A clear, colorless, syrupy liquid, a tri-hydric sugar alcohol
Glycerin is a by-product from ________________
manufacturing soap and biodiesel
Glycerin is an enhancer of the _________________
germicidal effects of other chemicals
What does hygroscopic mean?
A substance that has the ability to adsorb and absorb moisture or water from the surrounding environment
In glycerin’s pure form, it is ______________
hygroscopic with sweet burning taste
Usage of glycerin
- Relaxing agent
- Anti-dehydrating agent
- Carrier for chemicals
- Good lubricator
- Anti-drying agent
Glycerin ____________ and _____________ the firming and/or drying action of the preservative
controls and delays
First aid treatment glycerin:
- Wash/flush eyes with free-flowing tap water
- Drink a large amount of water
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
- Call the Poison Center
- Hospital if needed
Organic compounds containing mercury used as anti-infective
Mercury Compounds
- Thimersol (Merthiolate)
- Merbromine (Mercurochrome)
Disinfectant, germicidal, preservative; creates an internal cosmetic effect (restoring natural color to the tissues)
Mercury Compound
- Thimersol (Merthiolate)
- Merbromine (Mercurochrome)
Mercury compounds are no longer recommended due to _____________
high mercury content
Thimersol is _______ mercury by weight
49%
Usage of mercury compounds in embalming is specifically prohibited under the _____________________ because of their mercury content.
IRR Governing the Disposal of Dead Bodies
First aid of Mercury Compounds:
- Wash with free-flowing tap water
- Diarrhea cases, give oral rehydration solution
- Call Poison Center
- Hospital for severe cases
3 forms of Lime (Apog)
- Powdered calcium carbonate
- Quick lime (calcium oxide)
- Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide)
Powdered calcium carbonate is also called as _____________
- Apog
- Calsomine powder
- Murallo
What lime form is the only suitable form for embalming use?
Powdered calcium carbonate
Lime forms that strongly react with water and are very corrosive (should not be used in embalming)
- Quick lime (calcium oxide)
- Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide)
Usage of lime (apog)
Absorb both bad odors and excess moisture
First aid treatment for Lime (Apog)
- Wash/flush eyes with free-flowing tap water
- Go in well-ventilated room
- Drink large amount of water
- Call poison center
- Hospital if needed
Chlorine bleach is also known as ________________
Sodium Hypochlorite
It’s cheap and effective disinfectants
Chlorine bleach
(sodium hypochlorite)
Why should chlorine bleach never be mix with formaldehyde?
Because it can form a very powerful carcinogen
1:9 Ratio
(bleach and water)
General purpose disinfectant
1:10 Ratio
(bleach and water)
Blood disinfectant
1:19 Ratio
(bleach and water)
Overnight dirty Glass jug disinfectant
First aid treatment for Chlorine Bleach inhalation:
- Ensure safety before attempting rescue
- Remove the source of chlorine or move victim where there is fresh air
- If breathing stop, go to the nearest hospital
First aid treatment for Chlorine bleach skin contact:
- Wash free-flowing tap water
- Remove contaminated clothing
First aid treatment for Chlorine bleach ingestion:
- Rinse mouth thoroughly with water
- Drink lots of water
- Milk may also be given
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
- Call the Poison Center
- Hospital if needed
Do not induce vomiting with these chemical in case of ingestion:
- Phenol
- Borax
- Glycerin
- Chlorine bleach
- Kerosene and Thinner
Signs and symptoms of _____________
Inhalation: dry throat/ sore throat, coughing, difficulty in breathing and severe exposure may cause fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
Eyes: Teary eyes, burning sensation, severe eye burns
Skin contact: Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause reddening, cracking due to dryness, itching, burning sensation
Ingestion: Vomiting, burning sensation severe irritation of mouth, throat and stomach, may be fatal in some occasions
Formalin
Sign and symptoms of _____________
Skin contact: Pain, burns, skin pigmentation, pimples, blisters, skin sensitivity to light or tissue death, long term exposure warts, sores, skin hardening, pigmentation of face, neck, limbs, groin, navel
May cause skin cancer; mutagenic
Inhalation: May cause difficulty in breathing
Eye contact: Inflamed or burn eyes or can cause cornea scarring
Ingestion: Salivation, vomiting, dizziness, headache, weak and irregular pulse, low blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, mild convulsions, stupor, fatigue, unconsciousness, kidney failure
Phenol
(Hydroxybenzene)
Signs and symptoms of ______________
Skin: Rashes, irritation, redness, itchiness, dryness, burning sensation
Eyes: Irritation, teary eyes, burning sensation
Ingestion: Vomiting, burning sensation and severe irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach
Borax
(Sodium Borate)
Signs and symptoms of _____________
Skin contact: Rashes, irritation, redness, itchiness, dryness, burning sensation
Ingestion: burning taste
Glycerin
Signs and symptoms of _____________
Ingestion: acute mercury poisoning: severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea with watery stools, oliguria (less urine output) or anuria (no urine output at all), corrosion and ulceration of the digestive tract
Prolonged exposure: generalized inflammation of the oral mucosa, blue line along gum borders, sore hypertrophied gums that bleed easily, loosening of teeth, salivation, tremors and coordination
Mercury Compounds
- Thimersol (Merthiolate)
- Merbromine (Mercurochrome)
Sign and symptoms of _______________
Skin: rashes, irritation, redness, itchiness, dryness, burning sensation
Inhalation: Difficulty in breathing; coughing
Eyes: Irritation, teary eyes, burning sensation
Ingestion: Vomiting, burning sensation
Lime AKA Apog
(Powdered calcium carbonate)
Signs and symptoms of ___________
Skin: Gas form causes reddening, itchiness, burning sensation, blisters
Liquid form causes burns and possibly frost bite
Inhalation: Difficulty in breathing, coughing, itchy nose, dry throat, shortness of breath, headache, intense choking, chest pain and vomiting at different levels of exposure: severe exposure causes bronchitis, fluid in the lungs or maybe death
Eyes: Irritation, teary eyes with burning sensation, stinging,: the liquid can cause burns, permanent damage like blindness
Ingestion: pain, thirst, nausea, burning sensation, abdominal cramps
Chlorine bleach
(Sodium Hypochlorite)
Chemical derivatives of ammonium chloride
Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
The first derivative of Quats
Benzalconium chloride
Disinfecting chemical that can lose effectivity if too much organic material is present
Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
What should you do before disinfecting an instrument in quats?
Clean the instrument thoroughly before putting it in the quats solution
This can be used to wash ____________ but it must be washed with soap and wam water prior to placing in Quats solution.
make-up sponges and brushes
How many minutes should you soak instruments in quats solution for disinfection?
20 minutes
Signs and symptoms of _________________
- Mild to severe chemical burns of the skin and mucous membranes, depending on concentration
- Contact with strong solutions may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anxiety, restlessness and coma
Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
First aid treatment for Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
- Rinse mouth with water
- If symptoms develop, go to emergency room
- Call poison center
- Bring container or name of the chemical written on a piece of paper
A close chemical relative of phenol
Cresol
(O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol)
Another term for Cresol
O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol
______________ is a better germicide than phenol and also a deodorizer
Cresol
(O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol)
Dilute solution of ___________was the Initial ingredient of Lysol but now replaced with quats and/or modern disinfectants
Cresol
(O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol)
Usage of Cresol (O-Benzyl- P-Chlorophenol)
Germicidal & disinfectant
Where do embalmers primarily use Cresol?
- Clean reusable instruments
- Embalming table
- Other tops
Signs and symptoms of _______________
Skin & eye contact: Irritation, itchiness, dryness, burning sensation
Ingestion: vomiting, burning sensation
Cresol
(O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol)
First-aid Treatment for Cresol (O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol)
- Wash affected area with free-flowing tap water
- Drink large amount of WATER OR MILK, OR EGG WHITES or GELATIN solution
- Call poison center or go to hospital
Chemical derivatives of natural insecticide pyrethrum which is found in several kinds of chrysanthemum flower
Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides
Where can you find the natural insecticide called pyrethrum?
Several kinds of Chrysanthemum flower
What is pyrethrum?
Natural insecticide found in several Chrysanthemum flowers
Natural insecticide found in several kinds of Chrysanthemum flowers?
Pyrethrum
Aerosol form contains _____________ which is a greater health hazard than the insecticide
Petroleum distillate
Usage of Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides
Anti-pest
How do embalmers use synthetic pyrethroid insecticides?
- Spray into nasal sinuses to kill fly larvae
- Spray inside the casket before placing the cover on to prevent any pest
SIgns and symptoms of _______________
Skin and eye contact: rashes, irritation, redness, itchiness,teary eyes, dryness, burning sensation
Inhalation or ingestion:
Difficulty in breathing, coughing, dizziness
Vomiting, burning sensation and severe irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach
Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides
First-aid Treatment of synthetic pyrethroid insecticide
- Wash affected area with free-flowing tap water
- Go in a well ventilated room
- If ingested, DRINK LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER
- Call poison center or go to hospital
It’s a transparent, colorless, volatile liquid used as solvent, antiseptic, disinfectant, sterlization, for hygienic purposes
70% Alcohol
Type of alcohol that needs to be rubbed on the skin to be effective
Isopropyl alcohol
Type of alcohol that’s already effective once on contact
Denatured Ethyl Alcohol
Usage of 70% alcohol
- Solvent
- Antiseptic
- Disinfectant
- Sterilization
Health effects of 70% alcohol
Skin and eye irritant
First-aid Treatment for 70% alcohol
- Wash affected area with free-flowing tap water
-
Go in a well ventilated area
3 If ingested, DRINK LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER - Call poison center or go to hospital
Petroleum-based products, used for killing lice on dead bodies and helpful in removing makeup and adhesive from the skin
Kerosene and Thinner
Kerosene and thinner are ____________
petroleum-based products
Usage of Kerosene and Thinner
- Kill head lice found on dead bodies
- Removing make-up and adhesive from the skin
Kerosene and thinner are ___________
flammable (catch fire very easily; explosive)
Ingestion of kerosene and thinner can cause ________________
serious internal burns and be fatal
First-aid Treatment for Kerosene and thinner
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
- Call poison center or go to hospital
________________ shall be in accordance with hospital/health facility waste management manual of the Department of Health
Chemical wastes disposal
Implementing Rules and Regulations of Chapter XVIII- ____________ of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (PD 856)
Refuse Disposal