What Happens During Cremation?

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for dealing with human remains due to its simplicity, affordability, and environmental considerations. Whether you're planning for yourself or a loved one, understanding the cremation process can help provide peace of mind. This article offers a detailed explanation of what happens during cremation, answering common questions and providing clarity for those curious about this option.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation is a method of final disposition in which the body is subjected to intense heat to reduce it to ashes and bone fragments. The process occurs in a specially designed furnace known as a cremation chamber or retort. The resulting remains are typically referred to as "cremains" or "ashes" and are usually placed in an urn for keeping or scattering.

What Happens During Cremation?

The cremation process is fairly straightforward but involves several distinct stages:

1. Preparation of the Body

Before cremation, the body is properly prepared to ensure the process proceeds smoothly. Here's what happens:

• Identification: Funeral homes and crematories have strict processes for identifying the deceased to avoid mistakes. An identification tag, typically made of non-combustible material, is placed with the body and accompanies it throughout the cremation process.
• Personal Effects: All personal items, such as jewelry, are removed before cremation. Medical devices like pacemakers or implants, which can explode under high heat, are also removed.
• Cremation Casket: The body is placed in a combustible container, typically made of wood or heavy cardboard. This container is required by most crematories and ensures dignified handling of the remains.

2. The Cremation Process

Once the body is ready, it is moved to the cremation chamber. Here's how the actual cremation unfolds:

• High Heat Application: The chamber is preheated to around 1,400 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (760 to 1,093 degrees Celsius). This heat ensures that the body is reduced to bone fragments and ashes.
• Duration: The cremation process takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the individual and the specific equipment used. Larger bodies may take more time to cremate due to the extra tissue that needs to be reduced.
• Breakdown of Organic Material: During cremation, all organic materials (such as skin, muscle, and fat) are vaporized by the intense heat. This leaves only the bone fragments, which do not burn away entirely.

3. Processing the Remains

After the body has been fully cremated, the remains must go through additional steps to prepare them for return to the family:

• Cooling Period: Once cremation is complete, the chamber is allowed to cool before the remains are handled. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
• Removal of Bone Fragments: What remains after the cremation are bone fragments. The crematory staff carefully collects these remains, and any metal items (like surgical pins or screws) are removed using a magnet or by hand.
• Grinding the Remains: The bone fragments are then processed into a fine, sand-like powder using a machine known as a cremulator. This ensures the remains are reduced to a uniform size and consistency.

4. Returning the Ashes

Once the remains have been processed, they are placed in a temporary container or an urn provided by the family. The ashes are typically returned to the family within a few days. Depending on the family's wishes, the ashes can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or even transformed into keepsakes like jewelry or art.

Common Questions About Cremation

Is Cremation Environmentally Friendly?

Cremation is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional burial due to the lack of embalming chemicals and the reduced use of land resources. However, it does produce carbon emissions, so some individuals may opt for greener alternatives like water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis).

What Happens to the Coffin or Cremation Container?

The coffin or cremation container is completely burned during the process. It is required to be made of materials that will combust easily without producing harmful emissions.

Can Multiple Bodies Be Cremated at the Same Time?

No, it is illegal and against industry standards to cremate more than one body at a time in the same chamber unless the family has requested a specific exception, such as with stillborn infants and their mothers. Stringent identification processes ensure that the ashes returned to the family belong to their loved one.

Final Thoughts on the Cremation Process

Cremation offers a respectful, dignified way to handle human remains. The process is straightforward, involving careful preparation, controlled heat application, and the respectful return of ashes. Families have many options for memorializing their loved ones, whether through scattering, keeping the ashes in an urn, or using them in keepsakes.

Choosing cremation is a deeply personal decision, and understanding what happens during cremation can bring comfort and clarity to families making these arrangements. Whether you're pre-planning or coping with a loss, cremation is a flexible and increasingly common option for honoring the deceased.