Embalming powder composition

Abstract

An embalming powder comprising perlite, preferably two perlite compounds. The first perlite preferably has average sieve size of less than or equal to 0.1 microns, preferably less than 0.05, and the s

Description

The present invention relates to an embalming powder composition for inhibiting leakage and spills of embalming or bodily fluids during embalming procedures. The invention further relates to a method of making such an embalming powder composition, and to a method of using such an embalming powder composition. The embalming of a cadaver has the objective of delaying decomposition in situations where it is favourable to preserve the body after death. Difficulties arising from the preservation of corpses include leakage from sutures and other cavities of the body. This can cause unpleasant odours which are undesirable for someone viewing the corpse before burial for example. Sealer products currently utilised in embalming are typically greasy, expensive and contain formaldehyde. A water solution containing formaldehyde is commonly used to replace blood within the body, with spillages during the mixing process being a common occurrence. Formaldehyde is highly toxic to humans, causing a variety of symptoms related to the eyes and nose, such as irritation and discomfort, along with other symptoms related to the brain, such as headaches, nausea, impaired memory, sleep disturbance and reduced concentration. Therefore, spillages have the potential to cause serious harm to an embalmer working on a body. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved sealer product. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an embalming powder composition for use in embalming a cadaver, the embalming powder composition comprising perlite. Current sealants utilise formaldehyde, which has the notable disadvantage of being toxic to humans and therefore can be dangerous for embalmers to handle. Surprisingly, the invention manages to forego the use of formaldehyde by the use of perlite, while maintaining the absorbent properties of currently available sealants. The perlite also has the added advantage of collecting gases and odours released from the cadaver. Perlite does not have a strong smell unlike formaldehyde, whilst still having excellent absorption capabilities. Optionally, the perlite may comprise a first perlite compound and a second perlite compound, wherein the first perlite compound has an average sieve size of less than or equal to 0.1 microns, and wherein the second perlite compound has an average sieve size of greater than 0.1 microns. The smaller sieve size of the first perlite compound allows for packing of blood vessel openings, where it prevents the leaking of formaldehyde or other fluids, whereas the larger sieve size of the second perlite compound acts as a bulk filler and packs larger cavities. The use of two perlite compounds is necessary to neutralise formaldehyde leakage from smaller openings, thus minimising the exposure of the embalmers to the toxic substance unlike current sealant products, while at the same time absorbing other bodily fluids expelled from larger cavities. Preferably, the first perlite compound may have an average sieve size of less than 0.05 microns. A sieve size less than 0.05 microns is desirable as it has the benefit of fitting inside an arterial, venous, or capillary width, sealing blood vessel openings and preventing the leaking of formaldehyde or bodily fluids, a situation currently possible with the use of present-day sealants. The second perlite compound may have an average sieve size of greater than 50 microns. A sieve size greater than 50 microns for the second perlite compound enables the invention to better fill larger cavities, such as containing leakages from the ears, nose and mouth. Preferably, a ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound may be greater than 1:1. Since the second perlite compound is the bulk filler, it is more important to use a greater proportion of this compound than the first perlite compound. Optionally, the ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound may be greater than 2:1. A greater ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound improves the overall properties of the composition. The ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound may be greater than 3:1. A better ratio of the perlite compounds, which maximises the performance benefits of the composition has found to be greater than 3:1 biased towards the second perlite compound. In one embodiment, the first perlite compound may be PO perlite. PO perlite was determined to be the optimal perlite compound to contain smaller cavity leaks from the cadaver, with this compound providing the distinct advantage of being able to fit inside and seal the smallest vessels in the body, as well as suture holes. This best inhibits spillage from the cadaver, unlike with current sealants where leaks are possible. PO perlite is also a cheap grade of perlite, being formed from waste material following furnacing of coarser grades of perlite. It is extremely powdery, and this makes it commercially unsuitable for agricultural use, but highly suited to the present invention. Optionally, the first perlite compound may be provided in a range of 10% to 50% by weight of the embalming powder composition. Good filling of smaller cavities in the cadaver can be achieved by the use of a reasonable amount of first perlite compound, but preferably less than half of the total weight. More preferably, the first perlite compound is provided in a range of 15% to 25% by weight of the embalming powder composition. The further refinement of the range was found to give the optimal sealant capabilities that the composition provides with regards to the smaller cavities of a cadaver. Preferably, the second perlite compound may be P6 perlite. P6 perlite was found to be the ideal size of perlite that would provide the improved filling of larger cavities when compared to current sealant products, such as for containing leakages from the ears, nose, and mouth. Other bulk perlite compounds could work similarly well, however, including but not limited to P4 and P5 perlite. Optionally, the second perlite compound may be provided in a range of 30% to 80% by weight of the embalming powder composition. As the bulk filler, it is preferred that a sizeable proportion of the composition comprise the second perlite compound. More preferably, the second perlite compound may be provided in a range of 55% to 65% by weight of the embalming powder composition. The further refinement of the range was found to give improved sealant capabilities of the composition compound with regards to the larger cavities of a cadaver. The embalming powder composition may further comprise a preservative. The preservative present in the embalming powder significantly reduces the rate of decomposition of the cadaver, thereby reducing the odours released from the body. Said preservative may comprise salt. Salt was determined to provide improved preservation of the decomposing corpse. Preferably, the salt may comprise sodium chloride. Sodium chloride was found to be the best and most readily-available salt for the preservative. Optionally, the preservative may comprise an anti-caking agent. The use of an anti-caking agent is innovative when considering the composition of an embalming powder, with the agent acting to absorb excess moisture released from the body, the result of which is the improvement in absorbency compared to current market products. The anti-caking agent may comprise a ferrocyanide salt. Ferrocyanide salts were determined to be one of the better selections of anti-caking agents available, with these agents giving the most advantages over typical sealant products. A ratio of salt to anti-caking agent may be greater than 4:1. This ratio was found to provide improved benefits over lower ratios of perlite to preservative. A ratio of perlite to preservative may be greater than 2:1. A ratio above 2:1 was found to be effective at preventing the leakage of substances from cadavers, whilst also reducing odours. The embalming powder composition may further comprise water in an amount not greater than 5% by weight of the embalming powder composition. The addition of water can be utilised to improve the advantageous cavity packing ability that the invention provides, with the water enabling the tighter packing of the sealant into cavities. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an embalming powder composition comprising the step of: combining a first perlite compound and a second perlite compound, wherein the first perlite compound has an average sieve size of less than or equal to 0.1 microns, and wherein the second perlite compound has a sieve size of greater than 0.1 microns. Before the perlite is blended with the preservative, the two perlite compounds are first blended, with this combination resulting in the dual capabilities of the composition to stop leakage from both small and large cavities. The method may further comprise the step of blending a preservative with the combined first and second perlite compounds. The blending of the perlite and preservative compounds together provides a final inventive compound, with the addition of the preservative reducing the rate of decay of the cadaver, while at the same time maintaining the packing ability from the perlite. Optionally, the method may further comprise the step of adding no more than 5% by weight of water. The addition of water at the end of the method is beneficial, giving the ability to vary the quantity of water added based on the consistency of the output, with greater amounts of water used for drier outputs from the blending process. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of embalming a cadaver, the method comprising the steps of: a] embalming the cadaver using embalming fluid; and b] packing at least one cavity with an embalming powder composition in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The use of the invention in place of a conventional sealant provides significant advantages such as the neutralisation of chemical spills and bodily odours, expansion 5 into cavities preventing leaks, less greasy improving the embalmers clean up time, and a greater absorption than current market products. A detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention is provided hereafter. A final embalming powder composition is composed as follows: Component Percentage of total mix PO Perlite 19.5% P6 Perlite 58.5% Preservative 22% The main differences between PO perlite and P6 perlite, the two perlite compounds used 10 for the embalming powder composition, are as follows: Property PO Perlite P6 Perlite Bulk Density 65-95 Kg 40-50 Kg Typical Sieve Size (microns) 0.045 75 The composition of the preservative utilised for the embalming powder composition is as follows: Compound Percentage of preservative NaCI 89% E535 anti-caking 11% The following percentages are for the general composition of perlite, with the properties of the perlite varying slightly within these ranges: Compound Percentage within Perlite SiO2 70-75% AI2O3 12-15% Fe2Os 0.5-2% Na2O 3-4% K2O 3-5% CaO 0.5-1.5% MgO 0.2-0.7% Organic Matter Nil P0 perlite is provided in the composition so as to penetrate into small gaps in the cadaver, such as blood vessels and small wounds, including suture holes. P6 perlite, on the other hand, is provided as bulk absorbent filler, to pack the orifices of the cadaver, particularly any autopsy entry points. Since the composition expands on absorption, cavities of all sizes are filled when fluid is absorbed. The fine grade perlite therefore expands in the smaller holes. The preservative is provided to inhibit the decomposition process. This is more appropriate for jurisdictions in which there is a long period between death and burial, cremation, or alternative disposal means. In the UK, for instance, this period can be weeks, and preservation is necessary, whereas in Ireland, the preservative may be omitted as burial occurs within a matter of days from death. For absorption in small vessels or cavities, it is preferred therefore that the relevant perlite compound used has an average sieve size of less than 0.1 microns, with the other perlite compound, that is, the bulk filler compound, having a larger average sieve size. In particular, it is preferred that the first said perlite compound has an average sieve size of less than 0.05 microns, and / or that the second said perlite compound has an average sieve size of greater than 50 microns. Embalming powder refers to a substance utilised in the preservation of cadavers following death, with the aim of inhibiting leakage. Examples in the art include formaldehyde as standard to inhibit decomposition. Formaldehyde could be included in the present composition, but it has been demonstrated to be effective without, and therefore is preferred by provided in the non-toxic, formaldehyde-omitted form. In use, an embalmer will pack orifices and wounds with the embalming powder, and this will absorb fluids, and simultaneously eliminate odours and prevent leaks. For example, an embalmer: may pack embalming powder into the cranium after autopsy; may pack ears, nose and mouth to inhibit leaking; may pack the torso to replace heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines after autopsy; may fill the vagina, penis and rectum to prevent leakage; may pack the incision or incisions made during blood draining and replacement with formaldehyde; may fill suture incisions; and may fill sealant bags for storing the cadaver prior to putting into a coffin. This is particularly relevant during repatriation of a body. The embalming powder is also highly absorbent, and can be used to absorb formaldehyde spills outside of the cadaver, for instance, on the mortuary floor. Critically, the composition is not greasy, which improves clean-up. The embalming powder composition refers to the chemical composition of the embalming powder described; however, this does not limit the powder to use in embalming. Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass typically formed by the hydration of obsidian, with properties including low density, porous, water retention. The preservative of the embalming powder composition acts to reduce the rate of decomposition of the cavity to which it is applied. A salt comprises an ionic compound consisting of positive and negative ions, which are inorganic in the context of the embalming powder composition. In the context of the embalming, salt acts as a natural desiccant, reducing the water content of the area of the body where it is applied, with this slowing the rate of decomposition. An anti-caking agent is an additive that is used to prevent the formation of lumps, known as the caking process, in powdered or granulated materials such as salt, useful for the purpose of packaging the material in question. In the context of the embalming powder composition, this is beneficial for the water-tight packing of cavities. Ferrocyanide salts are salts comprising the ferrocyanide anion, which by definition are a sub-category of salts. Whilst the specific embodiment prepared and evaluated as being preferred utilises first and second perlite compounds in the form of P0 and P6 perlite, it will be appreciated that the general concept of the use of perlite in embalming contexts has not previously been considered or suggested within the wider art. The purpose of the two perlite compounds is to fulfil the requirements of both absorption in small vessels or apertures, which the P0 perlite achieves, and bulk filling, which the P6 perlite is better suited to. It will be apparent that a singular perlite composition could be provided. In a preferred scenario, only P0 perlite may be used, if only one component is provided. The P0 perlite can function as both small vessel filler and as bulk filler; it will be apparent that this will increase price, as more perlite is required if finer grade perlite is used. Coarser perlite could be used alone, however, if there is less concern over leakage from small vessels or apertures in the cadaver. For the purpose that the composition serves, several different combinations of perlite compounds would produce similar properties, including but not limited to: P0 and P1 perlite; P0 and P2 perlite; P0 and P3 perlite; P0 and P4 perlite; P0 and P5 perlite; P0 and P7 perlite; P0 and P8 perlite; P0 and P9 perlite; P0 and P10 perlite; P1 and P2 perlite; P1 and P3 perlite; P1 and P4 perlite; P1 and P5 perlite; P1 and P6 perlite; P1 and P7 perlite; P1 and P8 perlite; P1 and P9 perlite; P1 and P10 perlite; P2 and P3 perlite; P2 and P4 perlite; P2 and P5 perlite; P2 and P6 perlite; P2 and P7 perlite; P2 and P8 perlite; P2 and P9 perlite; P2 and P10 perlite; P3 and P4 perlite; P3 and P5 perlite; P3 and P6 perlite; P3 and P7 perlite; P3 and P8 perlite; P3 and P9 perlite; P3 and P10 perlite; P4 and P5 perlite; P4 and P6 perlite; P4 and P7 perlite; P4 and P8 perlite; P4 and P9 perlite; P4 and P10 perlite; P5 and P6 perlite; P5 and P7 perlite; P5 and P8 perlite; P5 and P9 perlite; P5 and P10 perlite. Whilst the specific embodiment prepared and tested as being preferred in commercial terms utilises two perlite compounds, the use of a greater number of different perlite compounds would produce similar results, including but not limited to: P0, P1 and P6 perlite; PO, P2 and P6 perlite; PO, P3 and P6 perlite; PO, P4 and P6 perlite; PO, P5 and P6 perlite; PO, P7 and P6 perlite; PO, P8 and P6 perlite; PO, P9 and P6 perlite; PO, P10 and P6 perlite; P1, P2 and P6 perlite; P1, P3 and P6 perlite; P1, P4 and P6 perlite; P1, P5 and P6 perlite; P1, P7 and P6 perlite; P1, P8 and P6 perlite; P1, P9 and P6 perlite; P1, P10 and P6 perlite; P2, P3 and P6 perlite; P2, P4 and P6 perlite; P2, P5 and P6 perlite; P2, P7 and P6 perlite; P2, P8 and P6 perlite; P2, P9 and P6 perlite; P2, P10 and P6 perlite. Whilst the specific embodiment prepared and tested as being preferred in commercial terms utilises a ratio of PO perlite to P6 perlite of 1:3, several ratios of the individual compounds could be implemented in order to achieve the same properties of the final composition. Examples of such ratios of first perlite compound to second perlite compound: 5:1, 4.5:1,4.25:1, 4:1, 3.75:1, 3.5:1, 3.25:1, 3:1,2.75:1,2.5:1, 2.25:1,2:1, 1.5:1,1:1,1:2, 1:4, 1:5. It is anticipated that there may be a greater proportion of the bulk filler perlite compound than the small vessel filler compound. The preferred ratio of bulk filler perlite compound to small vessel filler compound is at least 1:1, more preferably at least 2:1, and even more preferably at least 3:1. This means that typical weight ranges for the first perlite compound will be in a range of 10% to 50% by weight of the embalming powder composition and more preferably in a range of 15% to 25% by weight of the embalming powder composition, and for the second perlite composition, the typical weight ranges will be in a range of 30% to 80% by weight of the embalming powder composition, and more preferably in a range of 55% to 65% by weight of the embalming powder composition. Specific ranges will depend on the amount of additives, particularly preservative, that are utilised. The utilisation of salt as a chemical in the preservative of the embalming powder composition results from its ability to absorb and retain water. This is desirable as moisture is a catalyst for decomposition and thus the reduction of such decreases the decay rate of a cadaver, with the embalming powder composition utilising sodium chloride due to its position as the most prevalent. However, the same effect could be achieved using other salts such as: potassium chloride; potassium sulphate; calcium chloride; magnesium sulphate; and magnesium chloride. Whilst the specific embodiment prepared and tested as being preferred in commercial terms utilises E535 anti-caking agent, it will be appreciated that the general concept of the use of anti-caking agent in embalming contexts has not previously been considered or suggested within the wider art. Other anti-caking agents that would provide a similar effect include other ferrocyanide salts such as E536, E537, E538. Whilst the specific embodiment prepared and tested as being preferred in commercial terms utilises a ratio of perlite to preservative of 3.545:1, it will be appreciated that the general concept of the use of perlite in embalming contexts has not previously been considered or suggested within the wider art. For the purpose that the preservative serves, several different ratios of perlite to preservative would produce similar properties, including but not limited to: 10:1,9:1,8:1,7:1, 6:1,5:1,4:1,3.5:1, 3:1,2.5:1,2:1,1:1, 1:2, 1:3. The specific embodiment of the method for creating the embalming powder composition states that no more than 5% water may be added, with the purpose of not creating a powder that is too dry to pack into a cavity. However, the addition of more water can be done, such that the percentage of water added may exceed 5% and extended further until, for example, 15%. The embalming powder composition offers several advantages relative to products currently available on the market, with the main advantage being the absence of formaldehyde, which is the toxic chemical utilised throughout much of the current art. The addition of perlite to the composition of the embalming powder gives it greatly improved absorption capability relative to state of the art, with the incorporation of a variety of perlite compounds giving the benefit of filling both small and large cavities. This prevents the dangerous leakage of formaldehyde from the body, as well as reducing unpleasant odours from the body. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in 5 any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. An embalming powder composition for use in embalming a cadaver, the embalming powder composition comprising perlite.

2. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perlite comprises a first perlite compound and a second perlite compound, wherein the first perlite compound has an average sieve size of less than or equal to 0.1 microns, and wherein the second perlite compound has an average sieve size of greater than 0.1 microns.

3. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first perlite compound has an average sieve size of less than 0.05 microns.

4. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second perlite compound has an average sieve size of greater than 50 microns.

5. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound is greater than 1:1.

6. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound is greater than 2:1.

7. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ratio of the second perlite compound to the first perlite compound is greater than 3:1.

8. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first perlite compound is P0 perlite.

9. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first perlite compound is provided in a range of 10% to 50% by weight of the embalming powder composition.

10. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first perlite compound is provided in a range of 15% to 25% by weight of the embalming powder composition.

11. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the second perlite compound is P6 perlite.

12. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the second perlite compound is provided in a range of 30% to 80% by weight of the embalming powder composition.

13. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second perlite compound is provided in a range of 55% to 65% by weight of the embalming powder composition.

14. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,further comprising a preservative.

15. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the preservative comprises salt.

16. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the salt comprises sodium chloride.

17. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the preservative comprises an anti-caking agent.

18. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the anticaking agent comprises a ferrocyanide salt.

19. An embalming powder composition as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 and claim 17 or claim 18, wherein a ratio of salt to anti-caking agent is greater than 4:1.

20. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein a ratio of perlite to preservative is greater than 2:1.

21. An embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising water in an amount not greater than 5% by weight of the embalming powder composition.

22. A method of producing an embalming powder composition comprising the step of: combining a first perlite compound and a second perlite compound, wherein the firstperlite compound has an average sieve size of less than or equal to 0.1 microns, and wherein the second perlite compound has a sieve size of greater than 0.1 microns.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising the step of blending a preservative with the combined first and second perlite compounds.5 24. A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, further comprising the step of adding no more than 5% by weight of water.

25. A method of embalming a cadaver, the method comprising the steps of: a] embalming the cadaver using embalming fluid; and b] packing at least one cavity with an embalming powder composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.16