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Mausoleum smells are from the decomposition process, which occurs naturally as the body undergoes the decaying process. Morticians frequently call the offending bodies, "leakers". These mausoleum odors can be terribly overwhelming, and as a result of the embalming chemicals and the gases coming as a result of decomposition, they can coupled with that pose a health hazard to workers and visitors.
The second challenging issue that is prevalent for most mausoleums is the phorid or coffin fly. These terrible pests are about one fourth the size of the average house fly, and while they're in the larval stage of growth, coffin flies feed on the decomposing bodies within the crypt spaces. When they emerge from the casket as mature flies, they also pose a dreadful risk in spreading disease when they land. Frequently, they are in search of moisture, and it is very common for them to fly into the eyes, nose and mouths of visitors or workers in the structure. The flies tend to be so small that a lot of folks confuse them as gnats, and insiders in the mausoleum business do not want visitors to find out the reality about exactly where the flies are emerging from.
This is what one visitor to a mausoleum in Glendale, California had to say, "Possibly the most shocking of all is the Mausoleum. I stepped inside and knew immediately something was wrong. There the temperature inside the complex was around 80 degrees. I heard what sounded like insects swarming in one of the walls many of the vaults have had leakage problems where they have sealed them with shower caulk. As I scanned the flashlight around the room, I saw horrible damage. There was a discolored substance that ran from the marble plates down to the floor."
The good news is, you can find options to battle both mausoleum odors and coffin flies. For decades, most inside the industry have tried to utilize deodorizing sprays, chemical pest control, fly papers, and large fans to cover the odors and to try to manage the phorid fly infestations. These sprays and chemicals, etc. have frustrated mausoleum caretakers and other employees, because they are generally ineffective, and in addition, they develop into a health hazard in the structure, creating a noxious environment that's harmful to employees and visitors alike. An additional remedy is an electronic unit that mausoleums utilize to neutralize odors and to deal with the coffin flies, which from industry claims, is likely to make the task less difficult for the mausoleum proprietors and staff because it is effective at controlling the flies and will completely get rid of odors on a nightly basis while the building is vacant. Using the electronic method, there is additionally the security in knowing that there aren't any harmful toxins being spread throughout the building, which makes for a "eco-friendly" solution which is a great deal more healthy for personnel and guests.
Why not help preserve the dignity, peace and serenity for the passed and for their families, and help keep these beautiful structures as the memorials that they were designed to be. We grieve at the losing of a loved one; there is certainly no reason to have to perpetually suffer when paying respects. If you happen to be in a mausoleum and you observe the little coffin flies or if you smell any foul odors, without delay register a written grievance with the mausoleum owner and with the Funeral Consumers Alliance,or in the case of a Catholic cemetery, to the church, or the office of the local bishop.
Chris Zikmanis is the creator of Dignity Angels, an advocacy group which is devoted to encouraging a degree of reverence to honor our fallen relatives at or near the graveside. Should you require assist resolving cemetery or mausoleum problems, please contact Dignity Angels. http://DignityAngels.co.cc/
