It's unwise to substitute formaldehyde for phenol. Be very careful.

[Anubis]

Be very careful when considering alternatives to formaldehyde based based embalming fluids. Phenolic based fluids may be an acceptable alternative in the US but EU legislation is different. Under the COSHH regulations you are required to look for safer alternatives and phenol is not acceptable. I have posted the UK Health Protection Agency toxicological data for phenol as an attachment to this posting. If a company encourages you to use a phenolic fluid instead of a formaldehyde based fluid for health and safety reasons then simply do not make the change.

[patrickihuey]

Also, using any solution containing phenol in the embalming machine will usually void any manufacturer's warranty, as it is horrible on internal seals, gaskets, and components.

[Borningr]

I have used the phenols in the laboratory.  It is very dangerous to the users health if proper ventilation..high rate of exchange..is not available.  Check out:

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/01/18/the_health_dangers_of_phenols_found_in_common_household_cleaners_004.htm

Formaldehyde is the least of our worries as far as health and keeping mother earth clean.