What Causes Formaldehyde Gray in a Dead Body? - Just Give Me 2 Minutes

[@fournee66]

Yay. I'm currently a student at Worsham. Mr. Ben is my embalming instructor.

[@KaritheMortician]

That is awesome!!

[@stevebrown8368]

That was interesting. Never even thought about the why's, but you gave it a name for me. 😀

[@j.whiteoak6408]

I wish you every success in your studies and future! I sincerely wish I'd had the opportunities to go further in the industry .. My path just led away from it...In those days women were not encouraged, and certainy were not the ones with the certification to practice! Woops, showing my age!

[@Thefruitspeaks]

@@j.whiteoak6408 I hate that you weren't able to chase your dream. I'm very fortunate to have been offered a hostess job by my home's owner while I was attending a funeral. I've only been there since September, but he saw that I have a love and deep desire to go further. He asked me to enroll in school, so I could take over for him when he retires. I consider myself very lucky to have a loving and supportive boss. I wish you the best!

[@j.whiteoak6408]

@@Thefruitspeaks You are incredibly fortunate indeed to have an employer who recognises your potential as well as your value to his business - you must have made a huge impression from the outset! I was very young, straight out of senior high school, when I was employed as a secretary for the home. Well, my job description was 'secretary' but he got value for my pay packet as he had me involved in all aspects of the home - including in the mortuary - and I really took to the work. But he laughed out loud when I expressed my desire to study in order to become qualified myself, as I felt women had a great deal more to offer the industry! Two weeks after he dashed my hopes of a further career with the home, I received confirmation of an offer for a full University scholarship - which I grabbed with both hands. But I would have gladly given it up if he'd taken me seriously! I have certainly enjoyed a wonderful academic career, but I've often regretted his adverse and downright old-fashioned reaction, and I still think that I really belonged right where I began my working life. I'll never forget that he actually said, "Women should know their places" - and that, "Education and Qualifications were wasted on women because they only leave their studies and jobs to marry and have families anyway". Hmmmm. Thankfully most men who thought that way are long gone - and I was right in believing that women had so much to offer the funeral industry, as it's now predominantly led by women! I hope that you are very happy in your career as well as in your family life, if you choose to do both, and I sincerely appreciate your kind comment.

[@crg5460]

My brother in law looked gray after he died! I cried because I felt the mortuary ruined his appearance. Now I know why he looked gray. Thank you for clearing this dilemma up.

[@KaritheMortician]

He could have had a darkened color from the cause of death though

[@jbsdiversified9510]

Again the many problems we encounter as embalmers and funeral directors that the general public doesn't know about but we do. Formaldehyde gray happens quite frequently sometimes but due to our training as professionals we are to fix this problem. Great job Kari keep it coming!

[@KaritheMortician]

thanks!

[@Mellie_H]

Thanks Kari! I hadn't heard of this term before now. I'm constantly amazed by how much work goes into the preservation process!

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome!

[@thomasroo5536]

Im a Funeral Director in the UK, thankyou so much for your channel Kari, love it, something I can relate too. Formaldehyde Grey, I find the biggest problem, is from the time of death... to when we finally get the deceased I.e From the hospital/Coroner... I find the time delay causes the embalmer/Funeral Director the biggest challenge, and cause of death.of the deceased.

[@KaritheMortician]

Are you still seeing as king of delays after Covid? I know that they sped up the process a bit during it

[@jeremyjones2750]

This is pretty interesting. I had never heard of this before. Thanks again! Great video!😁

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@robertganley313]

Excellent video from an experienced embalmer!

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evecyn]

Thanks for this Kari. Really great to know this x

[@KaritheMortician]

You're so welcome!

[@niknax8124]

Another fascinating 2 minutes! Thank you for these short, but very informative videos. I love how you present in layman’s terms so everyone is able to fully understand and grasp the topic. Thank you again.

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eb6644]

Last summer my sister passed away and at her viewing I was the first person to notice that her ear was Gray. I had to grab the funeral director to fix it (we just put her hair over her ear) so other people did not see it and freak out.

[@KaritheMortician]

It may not have been from this. I would bet it was from darkening after death rather than formaldehyde gray.

[@ritashustitzky2934]

This is the first time I heard this addressed. Now I know why my husband looked dark. He donated tissue and bone and then was embalmed at that location. When we saw him at the viewing he didn't look right. This is probably what happened. Thank you again for the information.

[@KaritheMortician]

It could have been from other issues though as well.

[@stevew3196]

Interesting. Good to know and thought provoking. Didn't realise how much chemistry was involved in the process!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!

[@bernadetteherpakglisan7498]

Aaaa yes I have seen this. Yes Kari there is a video that my friend put out where a kript is leaking blood and embalming fluid ( he thought) it was a mess . It was nice to be able to explain to him what was going on and why... but it was a huge mess it was @ Lamont at large (over last week) he reported it on Monday it was Friday and they where closed for the weekend...

[@KaritheMortician]

I have had several people share the video with me. Did you get any response from the cemetery?

[@kirstyh9729]

Thank you so much for this, it's so informative. My mum died recently from bowel cancer and when I viewed her this week she was grey around her mouth, everywhere else was fine so I'm guessing it was down to this.

[@KaritheMortician]

you are welcome!

[@828enigma6]

Went to a visitation of a guy I worked with. Died from a pulmonary embolism after a 15 hour flight to South America. His visitation was almost two weeks after his death. Looked like he'd been carved from a lump of gray clay. Didn't even look like himself.

[@KaritheMortician]

That delay would make things tough and if he was cared for internationally would be rough

[@dianehilliard9256]

Good talk-you always make these topics understandable

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!!

[@deborahyoung9713]

I have never heard of this before. Thanks anyway! I am scientifically challenged so you will be glad that I understood what you said. If I can understand, everyone will!

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fondaciesielski-rz9pd]

My big brother was as grey as could be. He had small children and they have the Last vision of their dad pith grey. I don’t understand what the mortician wouldn’t have applied makeup to make it less traumatizing for them

[@vanessaknox-harris9147]

Awesome, I look forward to working with Ben at Worsham. I'm currently in semester 2.

[@KaritheMortician]

He is awesome and fun!! Hopefully I can meet you when I visit campus soon!

[@vanessaknox-harris9147]

@@KaritheMortician I will come out to the campus to meet you. Just let me know when. I'm in 2nd semester now. I'll have Ben next semester. I love all your videos.

[@peggyschram917]

I have been to a couple funerals at a particular funeral home and thought how terribly gray the deceased looked. It was so bad that I told my husband I would not use that funeral home. Interesting to learn what caused that and that there are remedies!

[@KaritheMortician]

Just because there is discoloration does not mean it was always formaldehyde gray

[@lingeldmyer9531]

My goodness, what a science!

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes it is!

[@lingeldmyer9531]

@@KaritheMortician Kari, from what I am understanding from the videos I have seen, embalming is truly for a wake for family and friends not a preservative for a body for years. Is that correct?

[@angelbasham6631]

When my husband passed on a weds we went to funeral home next day to make arrangements and so his viewing was on friday his funeral on saturday afternoon there was a place on his face where the makeup had worn off and looked grey but when we told funeral home they fixed it with makeup and said it was from someone touching him

[@KaritheMortician]

It could have been discoloration from how he died and the length of time, not formaldehyde gray also.

[@angelbasham6631]

How long does it typically take for someone to start changing colors? sadly he hung himself 😪

[@mswitter1]

Thank You so much, Kari. Always so much to learn from you.

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome!

[@christianmiller1723]

@Kari My boyfriend died in July of a heroin overdose. He was found almost right away. At his viewing, I was very distressed at his appearance. He was completely grey. I come from a family of funeral directors, and used to help my grandfather so I know that you can use dyes, cosmetization, and cosmetic lighting to combat this, however, none of this seemed to be done. The only thing was a half lit red candle next to the casket. I was too upset to mention it to anyone. Is there any reason you can think of why they may have allowed this, or couldn't do anything about it? It was very obvious. All I could think of is that they just neglected him because he was 'just another junkie'. An answer would be very appreciated, and would bring me some comfort. Thank you Kari, I love you for all you do.

[@KaritheMortician]

The problem with overdoses is that many drugs will negate the affects of the embalming fluid. It makes it inaffective. More cosmetics could have been used yes.

[@christianmiller1723]

@@KaritheMortician Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You are a beautiful person.

[@SarahLovesU2]

My aunt passed away 8 years ago. It was staggering how gray she was... From what I gathered, the funeral director was rather new, so i thought she might not have experience to combat the grayness? She also left jewelry on my aunt that was supposed to be removed before internment. She was only 49 and died in her sleep - high blood pressure lead to her heart stopping. Which makes me wonder about the process of removing jewelry from a body already sealed in an above ground vault. I’m guessing they have to bring her back to the funeral home to open her casket and remove those items. I’m going to guess that was the last time that little detail was missed! Big mistakes and corrections always seemed to help me be more aware.

[@KaritheMortician]

I am guessing since she was dead during the night that led to the coloring and not this.

[@SarahLovesU2]

Thank you so much for your reply! ❤️. Really enjoy your channel and have learned so much!

[@harrietcarpenter2387]

I want to thank u for ur videos. Have learned so much and u have answered many questions I have had over the years.😷💖

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome

[@spiritmediumclaytonsilva649]

Awesome 2 mins! Thanks for making it! ❤️

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@normturner5170]

Hi Kari, you have a great smile 😊😊😊

[@KaritheMortician]

Oh thank you!

[@VeneficaDelirium]

Embalming is an art.

[@KaritheMortician]

It really is!

[@jamesmusisca7547]

i got the formaldehyde blues

[@j.whiteoak6408]

Great video, Kari!. Thank you so much for explaining so thoroughly : )

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome!

[@susanwheat9910]

Thank you Kari for this explanation! I attended a funeral of an elderly friend who was killed in a car accident. At the viewing, all where shocked to see his color be a deep gray (like wet concrete). Hard to think of him as he was alive after that.

[@KaritheMortician]

His coloring was most likely from the accident and not this

[@susanwheat9910]

That would make sense, Kari. Thank you

[@laschoolbuses8600]

I went to my friends funeral today and I found he looked just like a grey color. It’s been bothering me. He died on the 24th of January and was autopsied. Now it’s been around 2 weeks since his death. Would that be why he looked so grey due to him sitting so long ?? he just didn’t look right. He just seemed very waxy looking, lots of what looked like cosmetic build up around his eyes and mouth. Would that be from them using lots of cosmetics to try to cover the grey up…. Just curious about that. He was my very good friend and I was just disappointed and slightly disturbed he didn’t look like the man I remember….

[@KaritheMortician]

Darkening can be caused by many reasons. The time between death and viewing could be one and the embalming may have been the best they could do with his condition.

[@joegarcia4157]

Interesting! Thank you Kari

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome!

[@larryulery3729]

Thanks kari haven't seen that before. But have seen where chemo has messed with my friends hair. Kari will treatment like chemo affect the body as a whole when embalmed

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes it will. It can neutralize all the chemicals.

[@Thefruitspeaks]

Wonderful video! I had seen this when working at my funeral home (I was a hostess, waiting for school to start.). My question is how hard is it to cover once the gray has set? Do you use heavy mortuary makeup, or do you have another technique to get the person's color to look more natural? Thank you for all of your videos! Much love from Louisiana!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!!

[@marisar4919]

Thanks for the video, this is helpful. So, is FG reversible? Or just something that needs to be prevented as best as possible?

[@janeordway4841]

Why do heart attack victims have A waxy type appearance.

[@KaritheMortician]

They do not all have a waxy appearance. It may be the embalmer and the visitations you have attended

[@janeordway4841]

@@KaritheMortician I’ve seen two people who Died from Heart attacks at two Different funeral homes Decades apart and Both had A wax like appearance not life like at all.

[@sandrabrown2132]

@@janeordway4841 My dad died from heart failure. He was 60. At the viewing he was handsome and actually looked about 40. He didn’t look waxy. He would have been so pleased.

[@davidmckinney6577]

Hello kari I remember when my best friend passed away almost two years ago he was really gray he had autopsy and he was buried on the 8th day of being dead they kept him up longer trying to get the money for the funeral if I had known about this I would have paid for it all he overdose so I didn't know if that is why he was so gray he was just 41 he would be 43 the 19th of January so sad to pass away so young I will forever miss him my profile picture is my dogs Bigfoot and Arnold and arnold's a beagle and he is on the right side and my best friend gave him to me for a Xmas present he was born on Christmas day and he just turned 10 years old

[@KaritheMortician]

Sweet puppies!!

[@hannahwills9378]

Hi Kari thanks for you video! My mum was embalmed when she passed. She was jaundice when she passed due to liver cancer. 5 days later the funeral home contacted me and advised me not to go and see my mum with the coffin lid off as she had turned green. Could this of been a reaction with the embalming fluid? It's been 10 years since her passing. She was 56 and I was 23. It was incrediblyupsetting at the time because the funeral home couldn't give me answers. I would be ever so grateful if you could answer my question. Thank you ever so much for all you do!

[@KaritheMortician]

Green is a common reaction to fluid or even lighting

[@hannahwills9378]

@@KaritheMortician Thank you! I'm relieved it's a common thing rather then it being from something dreadful! Many thanks from Hannah in the UK 😊🤗

[@leonardsolt6543]

Awesome video

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!

[@jkmorrison1013]

you are so pretty. not that I'm not listening but I can't help it!

[@KaritheMortician]

Aww thank you!

[@danlindberg4849]

Late again!! Very very interesting! Done in the "room" adds something!

[@KaritheMortician]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@danlindberg4849]

@@KaritheMortician :)

[@lisad476]

Ty for the info today 😁

[@KaritheMortician]

No problem 👍

[@jamesmusisca7547]

your body is just something you leave laying around when you die RIGHT

[@jeanaesamuel47]

Awesome vidoe

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Rebelgirl-kv6bd]

Very interesting 👌 👍

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@riler19]

Question, my dad was a very short guy but also a large guy, his casket had to be a bit winder, his hands on the back of the hand looked like she had bruising is that considered the formaldehyde Gray? I'm not even sure if they even tryed to cover it up but I remember seeing that and getting very mad about it because it was so noticeable.

[@KaritheMortician]

Was he in the hospital prior to dying?

[@riler19]

Yes, he died in the hospital

[@luvhangova]

So, this means that all of the blood in the decedent does not get flushed out in some cases?? Does this not facilitate decomposition?

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes sometimes it does not, it pools in many small areas.

[@ashleesue]

You know...Unrelated to this interesting topic I have a question since it's winter. When you can't bury a person due to frozen ground, inclement weather, heavy snowpack etc or family decides to do it later for whatever reason...where do you keep the deceased? I've seen the brick buildings at a cemetery that once did this and may still but correct me if I'm wrong are these kinda not used much these days? Where do you keep the decedents? I gotta think a lot of FH's don't have much room. thx

[@vanessaknox-harris9147]

Interesting, I never heard of this. Following this post for a response.

[@jeremyjones2750]

I know that my mother passed away in February, and she wasn't buried until April because of the frozen ground. She was kept in the small chapel at the cemetery until the day of burial. Seems as though the chapel was large enough to put may 8-10 deceased in?

[@KaritheMortician]

Sometimes stored at the funeral home and sometimes the cemetery

[@VeneficaDelirium]

Yeah, my grandfather passed away late November. The day of his service was a milder day but we were to bury him the following day. Supposedly we were getting freezing rain that day so it needed to be postponed. I'll feel a little better after we finally get to lay him to rest next to my grandmother.

[@Thefruitspeaks]

We have a lot of low ground that saturates during rainy times, here in Louisiana. If there's more than 2 inches of water in the grave, we have to postpone burial. We always try to see if a cover can be put over the hole to keep it dry. It's not always possible, though. In those cases, we let the family know what's happening. We keep the deceased in our prep room until we get a call from the cemetery. We can then reschedule burial.

[@lauragadille3384]

Is the blood drained before cremation or not, or is the blood drained after organ donation before cremation?

[@kimberlyholland7843]

I can tell you that blood is not always drained before cremation, as sometimes families choose a quick cremation with either no viewing or a natural viewing. People who choose to be organ donors are kept alive sometimes by artificial means in the hospital until they have harvested all the suitable organs or choosen organs by the donor or family. Then it depends on what the family wants or what the recent decedent wanted in terms of a funeral. How did i do Kari??

[@lauragadille3384]

@@kimberlyholland7843 oh ok after organ donation I'm going right to cremation. No service just cremation

[@KaritheMortician]

No it is not unless embalming is requested or required

[@lauragadille3384]

@@KaritheMortician oh ok ty

[@jamesmusisca7547]

blood thinners

[@henryfreeman7748]

Ms. Kari would there be a situation like formaldehyde Grey or where to much color was used by error, where you would possibly have to do the embalming procedure over again?😕 by the way Happy New Year.

[@KaritheMortician]

We could try to reinject but hypo injecting may be the only way to get fluid distribution

[@henryfreeman7748]

@@KaritheMortician Thank you very much for response, have a great day God bless. ☺

[@rosannadana2922]

When you receive a body from elsewhere and you do see this, are you able to correct it? I understood the explanation of how to correct but wasn't sure understood if it applied to those that you have received embalmed

[@KaritheMortician]

You can try to reembalm but it may not be able to help

[@josephswafford7578]

How. Does. One. Survived.

[@rickyn1135]

I’m dying to go to a paint store and ask,•Yes,I’d like ‘ formaldehyde gray’,Please.?! “ I’m sorry,I’m in a silly weird mood.

[@KaritheMortician]

:)

[@thaimays6933]

Does a person and cremated with clothes on?

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes if they would like

[@rickyn1135]

I’m dying to go to a paint store and ask,•Yes,I’d like ‘ formaldehyde gray’,Please.?! “ I’m sorry,I’m in a silly weird mood.....also,I must say,I would never guess ‘what you for a living.”

[@KaritheMortician]

lol Oh goodness

[@jamesmusisca7547]

i'm going to the torch science can slice me all up

[@thaimays6933]

Have you ever had a body for a while then the family wants to change funeral homes?

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes usually with costs

[@rethablair6902]

I thought all organs were put into a viscera bag😳😳😳

[@brittanyolson5235]

Only in autopsies. ;)

[@rethablair6902]

@@brittanyolson5235 thank u, I didn't know there were exceptions

[@KaritheMortician]

No that is only for an autopsy. Embalmers do not remove organs simply for embalming

[@lisap3344]

Your screen went black

[@KaritheMortician]

Try playing it again

[@RikkiSpanish]

Have you seen this happen a lot?

[@KaritheMortician]

No not a lot

[@josephswafford7578]

Wow.

[@jamesmusisca7547]

that's for mel to hide

[@spiritmediumclaytonsilva649]

Favorite

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!

[@bruceliggett8036]

Wow, sounds gross as hell but also very interesting! Love you Kari! I’d watch your videos even if you talked about fixing bicycles, lol, thanks for everything you do!

[@KaritheMortician]

Oh wow!

[@allenrj1]

Kari, just as an aside, you would really come over better if you combed your hair before being taped !

[@KaritheMortician]

my hair is always combed lol

[@allenrj1]

@@KaritheMortician Not on this video it isn't - have another look !

[@josephswafford7578]

Embalm. The. Living. Or. The. Dead.

[@KaritheMortician]

NOt the living...

[@matthiasdavin8353]

2:32 I like that😍💋 💝💖❤️

[@KaritheMortician]

:)

[@rafaeljamie8923]

Hi Guys 😍💋 💝💖

[@KaritheMortician]

Hi