CMT Cremation & Alternative Disposition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum temperature required by most US state regulations for cremation retort operation?
- 1400°F (760°C) (Correct answer)
- 800°F (427°C)
- 2000°F (1093°C)
- 1100°F (593°C)
Correct answer: 1400°F (760°C)
Most US state regulations require cremation retorts to operate at a minimum of 1400°F (760°C) to ensure complete cremation.
Question 2: Which federal agency requires funeral homes to provide a General Price List (GPL) that includes cremation services?
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Correct answer)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Correct answer: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC Funeral Rule requires all funeral providers to offer an itemized General Price List, including all cremation-related service charges.
Question 3: What is the term for the container required by most crematories for holding the body during the cremation process?
- Cremation container or alternative container (Correct answer)
- Cremation casket (full hardwood required)
- Shroud-only presentation
- Body bag with metal zipper
Correct answer: Cremation container or alternative container
Crematories require a rigid, combustible cremation container or alternative container, but a full hardwood casket is not required by law.
Question 4: What must be verified before a cremation can legally proceed in most US states?
- A completed cremation authorization form signed by the next of kin or authorized agent (Correct answer)
- A physician's verbal confirmation of cause of death
- Written approval from the funeral director only
- Confirmation that the body has been embalmed
Correct answer: A completed cremation authorization form signed by the next of kin or authorized agent
Cremation is irreversible, so most states require written cremation authorization from the legally recognized next of kin or authorized agent before proceeding.
Question 5: What are the processed remains ('ashes') after cremation technically composed of?
- Bone fragments (calcium phosphate) (Correct answer)
- Soft tissue ash and fat residue
- Carbon deposits from combustion
- Mineral salts from tissue fluids
Correct answer: Bone fragments (calcium phosphate)
Cremated remains consist primarily of bone fragments rich in calcium phosphate, which survive the cremation process and are then processed into fine particles.
Question 6: Which alternative disposition method uses an alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition of the body in a pressurized vessel?
- Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) (Correct answer)
- Natural organic reduction (composting)
- Green burial
- Cryogenic reduction
Correct answer: Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation)
Alkaline hydrolysis uses a heated alkaline solution in a pressurized chamber to break down the body, leaving only clean bone material.
CMT Cremation & Alternative Disposition 1
What is the minimum temperature required by most US state regulations for cremation retort operation?