Embalming fluid, a chemical used to preserve the dead, are usually either tinted pink, to recreate the effect of blood flow under the tissues, or they're sort of a peachy orange color, which is very helpful for people with more of an olive skin tone and creates a bit of a tanned effect.
Modern-day embalming fluid is a mixture of formaldehyde, other less toxic chemicals and water. The embalming fluid that is injected to the arterial system, to replace blood, is up to 5 percent formaldehyde, while a more concentrated form — up to 50 percent formaldehyde — is injected into the body cavity.
The chemical has not only served its purpose to the deceased but has become increasingly popular drug for users looking for a new and different high, one which often comes with violent and psychotic side effects, reports ABC News.
Formaldehyde is common to the chemical industry. International production was over 46 billion pounds in 2004, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is well known as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer.
Its primary use is in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins are used in foam insulations, as adhesives in the production of particle board and plywood, and in the treating of textiles.