how long can a human body be preserved after it is embalmed?

Question

When is the best time to embalm? What alternatives are there, i.e. freezing?

Answer 1

It really depends on many different factors, such as how well they were embalmed, what type of casket and vault they are in, the soil and climate, etc. I have seen bodies that have been dead 70 years and looked perfect, and some dead between 6-9 months in advanced decomposition. There are too many factors involved to say definitively. Medications taken prior to death can also negatively affect the embalming process.

Answer 2

I've seen an Egyptian at the University of Pennsylvania Museum who was embalmed 5000 to 6000 years ago.

Of course you need to remember that Egypt has a different climate than Philadelphia and the process in Egypt took months rather than hours.

Good luck

Answer 3

I really don't know the answer to this question but I know a good source. Just keep watching the Anna Nicole Smith fiasco. I don't think they are ever going to get her planted and I was wondering myself how she was holding up. It took 5 days to get her embalmed. Surely entertainment tonight will be taking us into the morgue next so we can find out. I might email them and suggest it as inquiring minds want to know, right? I did watch a documentary on being buried at home and you can hold a body about 4 days before you have problems. I live in KS and you can be buried in your back yard. Isn't that a hoot?

Answer 4

freezing is an option, albeit very expensive.
Depending on the embalming methods, a body's shape can be preserved, but it'll be like petrified wood.

Answer 5

that depends of chemical used in embalming,the stronger the chemical the longer will the dead body lasts.

Answer 6

The cadaver of Philippine Dictator Ferdinand Marcos has been on display for almost twenty years now in his hometown.