Fiery Protests Against Crematoriums

I attended the burial of my former college classmate’s father last Sunday. We thought that we would still be able to see the body. Unfortunately, my classmate’s family decided to keep the wake short. A few college buddies of mine who went along with me also thought that the burial would be at a later date.

It wasn’t exactly a burial, though. The body was cremated. It’s the first time that I was able to attended a cremation. I didn’t witness the actual process, but I saw the ashes when it was presented to the family of the deceased.

I know that cremation is practical and that cemeteries are, in a way, a waste of real estate. However, I still want to be buried to the ground when I die. Besides, the future of cremation is somewhat in jeopardy since many health groups are claiming that it is hazardous to the people’s health.

It has been found out that cremation emits 320 pounds of mercury per year. The source of the emission comes from the dental fillings. Activists doubt that the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency are accurate, contending that the number could actually be higher.

I’m not sure if there’s any crematorium that has already been charged for damaging one’s health due to mercury emissions. I’ll try to look for court records around the country involving crematoriums and incinerators. If the activists’ claims are true, then Congress should really consider enacting stiffer regulations for these establishments.