Cremation is a process that involves reducing a deceased person's body to ashes through intense heat. While the specifics can vary slightly depending on cultural practices and individual preferences, the preparation of a body for cremation generally follows a set of procedures. Understanding these steps can help alleviate concerns and provide a clearer picture of the process.
What Happens Before Cremation?
Before the cremation process begins, several steps are taken to prepare the body. These preparations are respectful and aim to ensure a dignified farewell.
Identification and Verification:
The first step involves confirming the identity of the deceased. This often involves checking identification documents and comparing them to the body's physical characteristics. This crucial step ensures that the correct individual is being cremated.
Removal of Medical Devices and Personal Items:
Pacemakers, prosthetics, and other medical devices are typically removed before cremation. These items may contain materials that could damage the cremation equipment or release harmful substances during the process. Personal items like jewelry are also usually removed and returned to the family.
Dressing and Casketing (Optional):
While not always necessary, some families choose to dress the deceased in their favorite clothing or place them in a simple shroud or casket. This is a personal choice reflecting the family's wishes and cultural traditions. The casket used for cremation is typically made of a material that will burn readily and cleanly.
Placement in the Cremation Retort:
Once prepared, the body is placed within a cremation container (often a simple cardboard or wood casket designed for cremation) and then carefully loaded into the cremation retort, a specialized furnace designed for this purpose.
What Happens During Cremation?
The cremation process itself takes place within the retort, a high-temperature furnace. The process is carefully controlled and monitored to ensure complete and efficient cremation.
The Cremation Process:
The retort heats to temperatures ranging from 1400-1800°F (760-980°C), reducing the body to bone fragments. The intense heat vaporizes soft tissues, leaving behind only bone fragments.
Processing the Remains:
After cremation, the remaining bone fragments are allowed to cool. These fragments are then gently processed in a cremulator, a machine that crushes the bone fragments into a fine powder, also known as cremains or ashes. This process ensures a consistent texture of the remains.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation Preparation
Here are some common questions people have about body preparation for cremation:
Does embalming affect cremation?
Embalming is not required for cremation, and many families opt not to embalm the body. While it doesn't prevent cremation, certain embalming chemicals might produce more emissions during the process, although modern crematories are equipped to handle these emissions safely and efficiently.
What happens to dental work and other implants?
Most dental work and metal implants will not be completely destroyed during cremation. Larger metal pieces might need to be removed prior to or after the process. Often, these items are recovered and returned to the family.
Can I be present during the cremation?
The availability of witnessing the cremation varies depending on the crematory facility. Some facilities allow for the viewing of the loading of the retort, but the cremation process itself generally isn't viewed by family members.
Can I choose a specific type of cremation container?
Yes, families often have options regarding the cremation container. These can range from simple cardboard containers to more ornate wooden caskets designed for cremation. The choice is largely a matter of personal preference and cost.
Are there religious restrictions on cremation?
Historically, some religions have had reservations about cremation, but many faiths now accept it as an acceptable way to handle the deceased. It's always best to consult with religious leaders for specific guidance.
By understanding the preparation process for cremation, families can approach the situation with more clarity and comfort. Remember, the focus is on ensuring a dignified and respectful farewell for the deceased, tailored to the family's wishes and cultural practices.
