What type of holding facility is required for unembalmed human remains?

The requirement for a refrigerated holding facility for unembalmed human remains is primarily based on the need to slow the decomposition process. Refrigeration is effective because it lowers the temperature of the remains, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other pathogens that contribute to decomposition.

While temperature-controlled facilities may seem similar, they can refer to a broader range of environments, including climate-controlled spaces that may not necessarily maintain low temperatures specifically for preserving human remains. Air-conditioned facilities, like those found in typical living spaces, do not suffice either, as they may not reach the low temperatures needed to preserve unembalmed body conditions properly.

Darkened spaces, while important for various reasons, such as respecting the deceased, do not address the critical aspect of preservation that refrigeration provides. Therefore, the specific designation of "refrigerated holding facility" emphasizes both the temperature requirement and the biological needs for unembalmed remains.