Not by federal law. Some funeral practitioners say embalming is vital for preventing the spread of disease. But the Green Burial Council — which has set standards for the practice — argues that "there is no evidence suggesting that embalming provides any public health benefits." In green burials, bodies are preserved using dry ice or a cooler for up to three to four days.

Though the EPA regards formaldehyde as a "probable" carcinogen, other international agencies, including the World Health Organization, consider it a far more dangerous chemical.  Embalming fluid containing formaldehyde has the potential to seep into ground water.  It also creates unnecessary health risks for workers who are exposed to the substance.  Many funeral practitioners (including some who own allegedly "green" cemeteries) act as if the practice still serves a vital purpose. Some mislead consumers into believe that embalming is necessary in certain instances when it is not, such as a funeral with a viewing.  Others defend it as being necessary to "prevent the spread of air borne pathogens." But there's not one shred of evidence that suggests embalming provides any public health benefits.