Embalming
What is one main goal of embalming besides preservation?
To restore a natural appearance for viewing.
Name two common legal methods of body disposition.
Burial and cremation.
What’s one surprisingly common accidental cause of death?
Falling.
What profession does Robert Webster have?
Funeral director.
True or False: You can be buried without a coffin in the U.S.
True — it depends on state laws and cemetery rules.
What is the main chemical used in embalming fluid?
Formaldehyde.
What does “direct cremation” mean?
Cremation without a funeral service beforehand.
What activity causes more deaths each year than shark attacks?
Taking selfies.
What question inspired the title of his book?
“Does this mean you’ll see me naked?”
What’s one common myth about coffins?
That they’re airtight — they’re not.
What’s one misconception about embalming?
That it preserves the body forever.
What U.S. state was one of the first to legalize human composting?
Washington.
What’s one example of a “famous last words” mistake people have made?
“Watch this!” or “It’s not that high.”
What does Webster say about grief?
It never looks the same twice.
What’s a “green burial”?
A burial that avoids embalming and uses biodegradable materials.
What does the word embalm literally mean?
“To treat with balm” — from the ancient practice of using resins and oils.
What is alkaline hydrolysis sometimes called?
Water cremation or resomation.
True or False: Lightning strikes kill hundreds of people per year in the U.S.
False — it’s fewer than 30 on average.
What kind of funerals does he find the most emotionally difficult?
Children’s funerals.
What’s the average cost of a traditional U.S. funeral?
Around $7,000–$10,000.
What tool is used to remove bodily fluids during embalming?
A trocar.
True or False: You are legally required to buy a coffin or casket directly from a licensed funeral home.
False. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, you can legally build your own coffin or buy one from any outside source — funeral homes must accept it without charging extra.
What’s a “Darwin Award”?
A (humorous) term for someone who dies due to a foolish or avoidable mistake.
What is one of Webster’s goals in writing the book?
To help the public better understand and feel comfortable discussing death.
What’s one way people personalize funerals today?
Examples: themed services, playlists, eco-burials, memorial donations, etc.