Does Cremation Burn The Bones

Does Cremation Burn the Bones? A Comprehensive Look at the Cremation Process

The question, "Does cremation burn the bones?" is a common one, often stemming from a lack of understanding about the cremation process. While the image of a simple burning might come to mind, the reality is far more complex and involves intense heat and a specific process designed to reduce human remains to bone fragments. This article will delve deep into the cremation process, explaining what happens to the bones, addressing common misconceptions, and providing a comprehensive understanding of this final rite.

Understanding the Cremation Process: More Than Just Burning

Cremation is a process that uses intense heat to reduce a deceased person's body to its basic inorganic components. It's not a simple burning, but a carefully controlled procedure that takes place in a specialized device called a cremator, or retort. This retort is essentially a large, extremely high-temperature furnace. The process is governed by strict regulations and standards to ensure respectful and efficient reduction.

The body, typically placed in a cremation container (often a simple cardboard box), is loaded into the cremator. The temperature inside is raised to approximately 1400-1800°F (760-980°C), a temperature significantly higher than needed to simply incinerate organic matter. This intense heat is crucial for the complete reduction of the body's soft tissues.

The process itself involves several stages:

• Drying and Evaporation: Initially, the water content in the body evaporates. This occurs at a relatively low temperature.

• Combustion: As the temperature increases, the body's organic materials – fats, muscles, organs – begin to combust. This process releases gases and produces smoke. These gases are then filtered and cleaned through a sophisticated emission control system to minimize environmental impact. Modern cremators are equipped with efficient systems that ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

• Reduction to Bone Fragments: Once the organic material is consumed, what remains are the bones. These bones are not completely incinerated, but rather reduced to fragments. The fragments are brittle and can easily be pulverized.

• Pulverization (Optional): After the cremation process, the remaining bone fragments are processed in a machine called a cremulator. This machine grinds the fragments into a fine powder or ash. This ash is then typically placed into a designated urn for the family.

What Happens to the Bones During Cremation?

Contrary to popular belief, bones are not completely reduced to ash during cremation. The intense heat alters their structure, making them brittle and fragile. While some minerals within the bones might undergo chemical changes, the primary components of bone – calcium phosphate – largely remain. The bone fragments are what ultimately constitute the cremains (cremation remains).

The size of the bone fragments can vary depending on factors such as the size and density of the bones, the length of the cremation process, and the specific type of cremator used. However, they are generally small enough to be easily pulverized in the cremulator.

It's crucial to understand that any metal implants, such as hip replacements or dental fillings, will generally not be affected by the cremation process and may remain intact within the cremains. These are typically removed after pulverization.

Addressing Common Misconceptions about Cremation

Several misconceptions surround cremation. Let's address some of the most prevalent:

• Myth: Cremation completely destroys the body. Reality: While the organic materials are consumed, the bone fragments remain. These fragments are the cremains given to the family.

• Myth: Cremation is a quick process. Reality: While the actual combustion phase is relatively short, the entire process, including preheating and cooling, can take several hours.

• Myth: Cremation produces toxic fumes. Reality: Modern cremators have advanced emission control systems that greatly minimize harmful emissions. These systems are regularly monitored to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

• Myth: Only the bones are left after cremation. Reality: While bones are the primary component, trace amounts of minerals and other inorganic materials may also remain.

• Myth: Cremation leaves nothing behind. Reality: The cremains, often referred to as ashes, represent the remaining bone fragments after pulverization.

Scientific Principles Behind Cremation

The cremation process relies on the principles of combustion and thermal decomposition. The high temperature within the cremator initiates a series of chemical reactions that break down the organic materials in the body. These reactions involve oxidation, where oxygen combines with organic molecules, releasing energy in the form of heat and producing byproducts like carbon dioxide and water vapor.

The heat also causes the breakdown of bone's organic components, primarily collagen and other proteins. This leaves behind the inorganic mineral components, mainly calcium phosphate, which form the bone fragments that constitute the cremains.

The process is highly efficient due to the high temperatures and the careful control of oxygen flow. This ensures complete combustion of the organic matter, leaving behind a relatively small quantity of bone fragments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What happens to dental fillings and other metal implants? A: These typically remain intact and are usually removed from the cremains after pulverization.

• Q: Can I witness the cremation process? A: Some crematories offer this option, but it's not universally available. It's best to inquire with your chosen crematorium.

• Q: What if I have a pacemaker or other medical device? A: It's crucial to inform the crematorium about any medical devices. They will take appropriate precautions.

• Q: Can I keep some of the cremains and scatter the rest? A: This is entirely permissible. The family has complete control over how the cremains are handled.

• Q: What is the environmental impact of cremation? A: Modern crematories have significantly reduced environmental impact thanks to advanced emission control systems. However, some concerns still exist regarding energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion: A Respectful and Regulated Process

Cremation is a respectful and highly regulated process designed to reduce human remains in a controlled manner. While the process involves intense heat, it doesn't completely destroy the bones. Instead, the bones are reduced to fragments that are then usually pulverized into a fine powder – the cremains – for family members to keep or scatter. Understanding the scientific principles and the specific steps involved can help alleviate any misconceptions and provide comfort during a difficult time. The focus should always remain on honoring the deceased and providing a respectful and dignified final farewell. The meticulous process of cremation ensures that the deceased is treated with the utmost respect and care, even in their final moments.