What Would Happen If You Consumed Embalming Fluid?

In the 2011 movie "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," the famous detective indulges in a classic detective trope by pouring himself a strong drink. However, a closer look at the bottle reveals a chilling label: formaldehyde. Dr. Watson, his companion, squints and remarks, "You're drinking embalming fluid."

"Indeed," Holmes replies. "Would you like some?"

If you ever find yourself in a similar scenario, it's best to take Dr. Watson's advice and refuse. While Holmes survives the movie unscathed, the same outcome is unlikely for anyone else.

To begin, it's important to understand what embalming fluid is and its intended purpose. This solution is designed to temporarily preserve a deceased body. Embalmers typically inject around 3 gallons (11.3 liters) of the fluid into the arteries and body cavity to delay decomposition, allowing for viewings, funerals, and other pre-burial ceremonies [source: Martin].

Embalming fluids usually consist of formaldehyde, chemicals such as methanol and ethanol, and water. Formaldehyde, which can make up to half of the solution, is worth a closer look [source: Martin]. Beyond funeral homes, formaldehyde is utilized in medical laboratories for tissue preservation and in products like pesticides and fertilizers. It's a pungent, flammable gas emitted from sources like cigarettes, vehicle exhaust, and building materials, and it's classified as a carcinogen. While you're likely inhaling trace amounts of formaldehyde right now, the levels are usually too minimal to pose a health risk [source: National Cancer Institute]. It can also appear in drinking water, but typically in harmless concentrations.

Does this mean consuming a small amount of formaldehyde is safe? Not at all. Ingesting just 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of formalin—a mixture of water, menthol, and 37 percent formaldehyde—can be fatal for an adult [source: Blickenstaff]. Even minimal amounts of concentrated formaldehyde can lead to severe symptoms like respiratory failure, coma, seizures, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and other serious health issues [source: U.S. National Library of Medicine].

The best advice? Opt for a beverage that doesn't contain chemicals designed to preserve the deceased.