Cremation and Alternative Disposition Flashcards
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What temperature range is typically maintained inside a cremation retort during the cremation process?
Answer: 1,400°F to 1,800°F
Cremation retorts operate between 1,400°F and 1,800°F (760°C–982°C), which is sufficient to fully combust soft tissue and reduce remains to bone fragments.
What is the accepted industry term for the processed bone fragments returned to the family after cremation?
Answer: Cremains
"Cremains" is the standard mortuary science term for the processed bone fragments (cremated remains) returned to the family after cremation.
What is the approximate weight range of cremated remains from an average adult?
Answer: 3 to 9 pounds
Adult cremated remains typically weigh between 3 and 9 pounds, varying based on the individual's body size and bone density.
Which item must ALWAYS be removed from a decedent before cremation due to the risk of explosion?
Answer: Cardiac pacemakers
Cardiac pacemakers contain batteries that can explode violently at cremation temperatures, posing a serious danger to retort equipment and personnel.
Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) dissolves human remains using water combined with which chemical agent?
Answer: Potassium hydroxide
Alkaline hydrolysis uses a heated solution of water and potassium hydroxide (and sometimes sodium hydroxide) under pressure to break down soft tissue, leaving only bone.
The secondary chamber of a cremation retort serves which primary purpose?
Answer: Afterburning gases and particulates to reduce air emissions
The secondary (afterburner) chamber combusts smoke, gases, and particulates produced in the primary chamber, significantly reducing harmful environmental emissions.
In the United States, which entity primarily authorizes and regulates cremation practices at the practitioner level?
Answer: State funeral service licensing boards
Cremation authorization and funeral practice regulations in the U.S. are primarily governed by each state's funeral service licensing board or equivalent state regulatory body.