Environmental Issues Associated with Crematoria: A Review

This study aims to educate both funeral industry practitioners and the general public about toxic emissions from crematoria as well as introduce sustainable practices to offset toxic emissions. Using publicly available data from four crematoria around the world, this study examines various factors associated with emissions including mercury, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and Sulphur dioxide. The data was then converted to correlate the emissions results from the crematoriums to that of hazardous waste incineration. Due to the United States limited to non-existent regulations towards the industrial process of cremation, it was necessary to infer the data into a more relatable output. Although modern cremation has been in practice for over a century, it can be said that measures to improve and mitigate impacts on the environment have moved quite slow. The conclusion of this research points towards continued studies; to engage leaders to consider the ramifications of the trends, especially when documented dangers of the by-product exist.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Kuchnicki, Brad

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Martin Jr., James R.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/124459

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/124459