Cremated remains, often called “ashes,” are bone fragments resulting from intense heat. They are generally not considered toxic and pose minimal risk to human health or the environment.
The Composition of Cremated Remains
Cremated remains are primarily composed of pulverized bone fragments, not the soft, flaky ash typically associated with burning wood. The high temperatures within a cremator, typically ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (760-1150 degrees Celsius), are sufficient to vaporize all organic matter, bodily fluids, and soft tissues, leaving behind only the skeletal structure.
The main chemical constituent of these remains is calcium phosphate, which forms the resilient mineral matrix of bones. Other minor elements naturally present in the body, such as sulfate, potassium, and sodium, are also found in varying trace amounts.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Cremated remains are typically safe to handle and touch without concern for direct toxicity. However, they consist of very fine particles that can become airborne. Inhaling large quantities of this fine dust, similar to any other particulate matter, can cause irritation to the respiratory system. For this reason, wearing gloves and a protective mask is a practical precaution when handling or transferring the remains to prevent skin irritation or inhalation.
While not toxic to humans, cremated remains do possess certain characteristics that can influence their environmental impact, particularly when scattered or buried in concentrated amounts. They are notably alkaline, typically having a pH level between 10 and 12, which is comparable to that of bleach. Additionally, they contain a relatively high concentration of sodium.
Introducing large quantities of these highly alkaline and saline remains into a localized area can temporarily alter the soil’s pH balance and increase its salt content. This can inhibit plant growth by impairing water absorption and disrupting the soil’s natural chemical balance, potentially harming seedlings or sensitive vegetation. Spreading ashes thinly over a wider area or mixing them with a substantial amount of soil can mitigate these effects, allowing the remains to disperse and integrate more gradually into the environment.
Addressing Common Concerns
Concerns often arise regarding potential hazards like disease transmission or radioactivity in cremated ashes. Due to the intense heat of the cremation process, any pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, are completely incinerated. This ensures that cremated remains are sterile and cannot transmit diseases.
Regarding radioactivity, cremated ashes generally do not contain harmful levels of radioactive material. However, in rare instances, if an individual recently underwent specific medical treatments involving therapeutic radioisotopes, trace amounts might persist in the bone fragments. These isotopes typically decay over a relatively short period, and while they pose minimal risk to the general public, crematory workers may take additional precautions when handling such cases.
The notion of ashes being corrosive to plants is often misunderstood. While not chemically corrosive in the same way a strong acid might be, their high alkalinity and elevated salt content can indeed be detrimental to plant life. This effect is particularly pronounced when large, concentrated amounts are placed directly around plants, as it can disrupt the delicate chemical balance of the soil necessary for healthy growth. It is this alteration of soil chemistry, rather than a direct corrosive action, that can negatively impact vegetation.