Greta Jimenez
Cremation is a popular end-of-life option, with growing environmental concerns driving its popularity over traditional burial. However, the process requires a significant amount of fuel, resulting in the release of millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually. While cremation produces fewer emissions than traditional burial practices like embalming and casket burial, it still contributes to air pollution and climate change. The burning of fossil fuels and firewood releases greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and toxic chemicals, impacting human health and the environment. The type of pollutants emitted during cremation depends on the materials burned, with open-air cremations near water bodies contributing to both air and water pollution. As a result, companies are exploring more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly cremation methods to reduce the environmental impact of this common practice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average carbon dioxide emissions per cremation | 534.6 pounds |
| Approx. total carbon dioxide emissions from cremations in the U.S. per year | 360,000 metric tons |
| Approx. energy used per cremation | Equivalent to two tanks of gas in an average car |
| Average wood used per cremation in India | 220-330 pounds |
| Health effects of air pollution | Eye and nose irritation, coughing, headaches, lung infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, allergies, breathing difficulties, heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, cancer |
| Pollutants released when burning plastic | Dioxins, heavy metals, benzo(a)pyrene (BAP), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) |
| Pollutants released when burning trash | Nitrogen oxides, Sulfur dioxide, Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), Polycyclic organic matter (POMs) |
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What You'll Learn
Cremation produces millions of tons of CO2 annually
Cremation is a popular end-of-life option, with many people choosing it over traditional burial methods. In the United States, for instance, cremations have surpassed burials as the most popular choice. While cremation is often marketed as a more environmentally friendly option than traditional embalmment and burial, it still has a significant environmental impact.
Cremation requires a lot of fuel, and the burning of fossil fuels releases harmful chemicals and gases into the atmosphere. The average US cremation, for example, uses about the same amount of energy and produces emissions equivalent to two tanks of gas in an average car. This means that cremation, as a whole, produces millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. According to Paul Seyler, the marketing division manager for Matthews Environmental Solutions, a single cremation produces an average of 534.6 pounds of carbon dioxide. Using this figure, Seyler estimates that cremations in the US alone account for about 360,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.
The carbon dioxide released from cremation, like that from burning fossil fuels, accumulates in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. This intensifies the re-radiation of heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and climate change. The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more extreme weather, heat-related deaths, and the increased transmission of infectious diseases.
In addition to the environmental impact, cremation can also have negative consequences for human health. The smoke released during cremation contains toxic gases and particulate matter that can affect the respiratory system. These pollutants can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
To curb the pollution caused by cremations, some organizations like the nonprofit Mokshda Green Cremation System have been trying to provide communities with more fuel-efficient structures for funerary rites. These structures use a metal tray heated with firewood, which reduces the amount of wood required and makes it easier to transition between cremations.
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Filters can reduce metals and nitrous oxide
The process of cremating a body involves burning a casket and human remains at a high temperature in a closed chamber. This process releases numerous harmful air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. These pollutants can have severe effects on both the environment and human health.
To mitigate the environmental and health impacts of cremation, most U.S. crematoriums are equipped with scrubbing or filtering systems. These systems aim to reduce the emission of pollutants, particularly metals and particulate matter, and nitrous oxide. While these filters help minimize the release of certain pollutants, they do not neutralize the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during cremation.
The average U.S. cremation produces approximately 534.6 pounds of CO2, contributing to about 360,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually in the country. This significant environmental impact has led some people to consider alternative end-of-life options, such as alkaline hydrolysis, which uses less fuel and generates fewer carbon dioxide emissions.
In India, traditional open-air pyre cremations have faced criticism for their environmental impact, as they require cutting down millions of trees and contribute to air and river pollution. To address this issue, the Mokshda Green Cremation System has introduced more fuel-efficient structures, reducing the amount of wood needed and subsequently lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, while filters can help reduce the emission of metals and nitrous oxide during cremation, the process still releases a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, highlighting the need for further improvements and the exploration of more environmentally friendly end-of-life options.
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Burning plastics releases toxic chemicals
The burning of plastics releases toxic chemicals, which can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. This is a major source of air pollution, with the toxic gases released including dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
Dioxins, some of the most dangerous chemicals created and released during the burning of plastics, adhere to the waxy surface of leaves and enter the food chain. Even plastics that do not contain chlorine, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, may have other materials attached or burned with them that are a source of chlorine. These dioxins are lethal persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their worst component, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), is a toxic compound that causes cancer and neurological damage.
The burning of plastics also releases benzo(a)pyrene (BAP) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer. If agricultural bags or containers are contaminated with pesticides or other harmful substances, these will also be released into the air. Furthermore, the incineration of Poly Vinyl Chloride releases hazardous halogens, which contribute to climate change.
The impact of burning plastics extends beyond the release of toxic chemicals. Ash produced from burning plastics can contain heavy metals and other potentially toxic compounds, which can contaminate water bodies and drinking water supplies, impacting human health and the environment. Additionally, larger pieces of plastic that are not completely burned can become a breeding ground for diseases, such as by trapping water that provides a habitat for mosquitoes.
The release of toxic chemicals from burning plastics is a significant environmental and public health concern. It contributes to air pollution, with pollutants entering the food chain and causing adverse health effects, including respiratory issues and increased cancer risk.
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Open burning releases harmful chemicals
The pollutants from open burning can have both direct and indirect effects on human health. Direct exposure to smoke and toxic gases can cause immediate symptoms such as eye and throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Indirectly, the pollutants released during open burning can contaminate the environment, including the air, soil, and water sources. Fine particles and pollutants can be carried by the wind, settling in lakes, streams, and soil, and eventually seeping into groundwater. This contamination disrupts ecosystems and can enter the human food chain through crops, livestock, and aquatic sources.
Additionally, open burning contributes to air pollution, which is a significant global health concern. Air pollution has been identified as the world's fourth-largest risk factor for early death, with millions of deaths attributed to outdoor and indoor air pollution exposures. The toxic chemicals and gases released during open burning add to the overall pollution levels in the atmosphere, exacerbating the health risks associated with air pollution.
The impact of open burning on the environment extends beyond air pollution. Ash waste from burning can contain harmful substances such as heavy metals and toxic compounds, which can pollute soil, lakes, rivers, and streams. This pollution can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems, including the stimulation of excessive algae growth in water bodies, leading to foul odors, low oxygen levels, and negative aesthetic impacts. Furthermore, open burning increases the risk of wildfires, posing a serious threat to public safety, property, and natural resources.
To minimize the harmful effects of open burning, it is crucial to follow regulations and burn only approved materials. By being mindful of the potential risks and impacts, we can take steps to reduce the release of harmful chemicals and mitigate the negative consequences for human health and the environment.
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Cremation is less harmful than embalment and burial
Cremation is often considered a more environmentally friendly option than traditional embalmment and burial. While cremation does result in carbon dioxide emissions, it is still a greener option than embalming and burying a body.
Embalming fluids, such as formaldehyde, are toxic and can contaminate soil and groundwater if a casket were to deteriorate. Furthermore, the process of embalming requires a significant amount of toxic chemicals, which can have negative effects on the environment and human health. Burial also requires a casket, which is typically made of wood. The production and transportation of caskets contribute to deforestation and fossil fuel emissions.
Cremation, on the other hand, does not require embalming or a casket. While it is true that cremation requires a lot of fuel and results in carbon dioxide emissions, the environmental impact can be mitigated through the use of modern cremation technology. Most U.S. crematoriums are equipped with scrubbing or filtering systems that neutralize pollutants such as mercury emissions from dental fillings. Additionally, companies are now offering more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cremation, such as alkaline hydrolysis, which uses less fuel and produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions.
The impact of cremation on the environment also depends on where and how it is performed. For example, in India, Hindus traditionally cremate their relatives on an open-air pyre, which requires cutting down millions of trees and contributes to air and river pollution. However, organizations like the nonprofit Mokshda Green Cremation System have been working to curb this pollution by providing communities with more fuel-efficient structures for funerary rites. These structures use a metal tray that can be easily removed and replaced, reducing the amount of wood needed for each cremation.
Overall, while cremation does have an environmental impact, it is still a less harmful option than embalment and burial. The process of embalming and burying a body requires the use of toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, which can have long-lasting effects on the environment. Cremation, on the other hand, can be made more eco-friendly through the use of modern technology and fuel-efficient structures.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning a body releases millions of tons of carbon dioxide per year, as well as other harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. The amount of pollution released depends on the type of body and the method of burning.
The environmental impacts of burning a body include contributing to climate change, air pollution, and water pollution. The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather.
Yes, there are potential health risks associated with burning a body. The pollutants released during the burning process can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause respiratory problems, and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The pollution released from burning a body contributes to the overall problem of air pollution, which is a major global health issue. According to the 2020 State of Global Air report, 4.5 million deaths were linked to outdoor air pollution exposures in 2019, and another 2.2 million deaths were caused by indoor air pollution.
Yes, there are alternatives to traditional body disposal methods that are more environmentally friendly. For example, alkaline hydrolysis is a process that uses less fuel and releases fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional cremation. Additionally, organizations like the nonprofit Mokshda Green Cremation System aim to curb pollution by providing access to more fuel-efficient structures for funerary rites.
