If a body is held for more than 24 hours, what must be done?

The requirement that a body be either embalmed or refrigerated after being held for more than 24 hours is grounded in public health and sanitation concerns. In Pennsylvania, as in many other jurisdictions, the proper handling of deceased bodies is crucial to prevent the spread of disease and to manage decomposition.

When a body is retained for extended periods without appropriate preservation methods, the risk of odor, contamination, and health hazards increases significantly. Embalming involves the use of chemicals to temporarily preserve the body, while refrigeration slows the decomposition process by lowering the temperature of the body. These methods ensure that the deceased is treated with dignity and that environmental and health standards are maintained.

The other options do not align with standard legal or ethical practices related to the treatment of deceased individuals in this context. Immediate cremation or burial isn't always a necessary or acceptable response within such a time frame, as families often need time for arrangements and closure. Incineration is not a standard term or practice concerning the immediate handling of deceased bodies in the context given and does not reflect the legal obligations of funeral homes when managing remains. Thus, the obligation to embalm or refrigerate is the appropriate and accurate requirement when a body is held for more than 24 hours.