Misinformation regarding chemicals often leads to confusion about the nature and identity of various substances. A specific misconception involves the belief that embalming fluid and the psychoactive drug Phencyclidine (PCP) are chemically the same compound. This article will examine the fundamentally different compositions of these two substances and explore the cultural reasons behind their mistaken association.
The Primary Components of Embalming Fluid
Embalming fluid is a complex chemical mixture designed for the temporary preservation and sanitation of human remains. The primary active ingredient is formaldehyde, often supplied as formalin, an aqueous solution typically containing 37% formaldehyde stabilized with methanol. The concentration of formaldehyde in the final solution generally ranges from 5% to 37%, depending on specific preservation needs.
Formaldehyde functions by cross-linking proteins within the body’s tissues, stabilizing them and making them resistant to decomposition by bacteria. This chemical action effectively slows the natural breakdown process. Other components enhance preservation, such as glutaraldehyde, which also acts as a preservative, or methanol, which serves as a solvent. Dyes and wetting agents are also added to restore a more natural appearance and facilitate the fluid’s even distribution throughout the circulatory system.
Phencyclidine: A Distinct Psychoactive Compound
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a synthetic compound entirely distinct from the components of embalming fluid. Chemically, PCP is classified as an arylcyclohexylamine and functions as a powerful dissociative anesthetic. It was originally developed in the 1950s for use as an intravenous anesthetic in humans, but its medical application was discontinued due to the high incidence of severe postoperative delirium and hallucinations.
The drug exerts its effects on the central nervous system by acting primarily as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. This action blocks certain normal brain chemical signals, leading to a state of dissociation characterized by feelings of detachment from the body and surroundings. As a recreational substance, PCP is classified as a hallucinogen, inducing distorted perceptions of sight and sound.
The Source of Confusion
Embalming fluid and PCP are not the same substance; they are fundamentally different chemical entities with disparate uses. The widespread confusion stems from illicit drug culture, where “embalming fluid” became a street name for liquid PCP. This slang term, along with others like “fry,” “wet,” or “shermans,” refers to the dangerous practice of dipping smokable materials, such as tobacco or marijuana cigarettes, into a liquid solution before smoking them.
Initially, the term “embalming fluid” described cigarettes dipped in liquid PCP. This misnomer eventually led some users and dealers to substitute actual embalming fluid, which contains formaldehyde, either with or without PCP. The liquids are often used because PCP, typically a white crystalline powder, is readily soluble in alcohol-based solvents found in embalming preparations. This practice involves the combined inhalation of a psychoactive drug and highly toxic industrial chemicals.
Acute Health Hazards of Recreational Exposure
Recreational use of substances dipped in embalming fluid introduces a dual toxic load, combining the pharmacological effects of PCP with the severe physical harm caused by formaldehyde and methanol. Formaldehyde is a highly corrosive substance that causes immediate irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs upon inhalation. High exposure can cause pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which is a medical emergency that can lead to death.
The methanol present in many embalming fluids is also extremely dangerous, as the body metabolizes it into highly toxic byproducts, including formic acid. Formic acid accumulation can lead to severe metabolic acidosis and damage to the optic nerve, frequently resulting in permanent blindness. The PCP component independently causes severe psychoactive effects, including aggressive behavior, high body temperature, seizures, and an extreme sense of invulnerability, further complicating emergency medical treatment.