Physical environmental hazards associated with the Swedish death care industry

Abstract

In this study, the perceptions of Swedish funeral directors were elicited on physical environmental hazards associated with the five life stages of handling cadavers through interviews and questionnaires (The data was collected from 78 respondents across Sweden). We conclude that although the workers in the Swedish funeral industry are at high risk of developing health problems caused by exposure to various chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde ((FA)) based embalming fluids, heavy metals, pesticides, pathogens, insecticides, and fungicides) and the industry itself contaminating air, soil and groundwater, the health and environmental hazards are perceived low by the funeral directors. In the study, funeral homes are classified into four distinguished groups: (a) environmentally ardent and the epitome of sustainability-(G-1) (21 %); (b) environmental- and customer-oriented-(G-2) (64 %); (c) environmentally apathetic and customer-oriented-(G-3) (6 %); and (d) environmentally unconscious-(G-4) (8 %). Results show that most funeral directors under the G-1 & G-2 (32 out of 43) are acquainted with generational environmental goals (GGs) set by the Swedish government and are aware of the choices that promote environmental wellbeing. On the other hand, G-4 is not acquainted with GGs and comprises only small funeral homes (<10 employees). Poor safety culture, traditions, and prioritising economic returns hinder making environmentally sustainable funeral industry choices. The article provides a better understanding of the Swedish funeral industry and suggests appropriate short- and long-term strategies that could curtail the associated physical environmental hazards of the industry.