1. Is Cremation Right For You?
By Joshua Margolis

2. What is Cremation?
Cremation: The disposition of human remains by exposing them to direct flame or burning them. This process reduces the body to its core elements, Calcium and Carbon.

3. Advantages of Cremation
According to the Wirthlin Report from 2006, the five primary reasons why cremation is chosen are as follows:
Save Money (30%)
Save Land (13%)
Simpler (8%)
Body not in the Earth(6%)
Personal Preference (6%)
(Cremation Association of North America)

4. The Cremation Process Occurs in a crematory.
The deceased is placed in a coffin or container, then transferred into the primary chamber of the retort.
Temperatures reach between °F.
This ensures that the deceased is completely disintegrated.
The greater portion is vaporized and oxidized by the intense heat.
The secondary chamber allows the released gases to escape.
This process usually takes 90 minutes 2 hours.
Larger individuals may take longer.

5. The Cremation Process
Contrary to popular belief, the cremated remains are not actually ashes.
After incineration is complete, the dry bone fragments are swept out of the retort.
They are then pulverized by a cremulator to process them into “ashes” or “cremated remains.”
This leaves the bone with a fine sand like texture and color.
The size of the grain depends on the cremulator used.
This process typically takes about 20 min.
There are various different types of cremulators. Some include rotating devices, grinders , and older models using heavy metal balls.
(en.wikipedia.org)

6. The Cremation Process
The weight of human remains are approximately 4lbs for adult females and 6lbs for adult males.
The weight of the remains increases with heavier individuals.
After final grinding, the “ashes” are placed in a container.
The container can be as simple as a cardboard box to a decorative urn.
The container is then given to the next of kin.

7. The Disposition of Human Remains
Cremated remains can be:
Kept in an urn.
Stored in a special memorial building.
Buried in the ground at many locations.
Sprinkled on a special field, mountain, or in the sea.

8. The Disposition of Human Remains
There are several other ways that cremated remains can be scattered. Some examples are:
Via a helium balloon.
Through fireworks.
Shot through shotgun shells.
From an airplane.
A small portion sent into earthly orbit.
Can also be made into jewelry.
The final disposition of human remains depends on the personal wishes of the deceased, as well as their cultural and religious beliefs. Many religions have different opinions in regards to cremation.

9. Cremation Statistics
Cremation is gaining acceptance throughout North America and other regions of the world. It is used more and more every day as a suitable way to dispose of human remains. These statistics show how widely accepted cremation has become.
2010 U.S. Cremation Rate: 40.62%
2009: 38.15%
2008: 36.22%
2007: 34.60%
2006: 33.87%
2005:32.13%
2000: 26.17%
1995: 21.11%
1990: 17.13%
1985: 13.86%
1980: 9.72%
1975: 6.55%
1970: 4.59%
1965: 3.87%
1960: 3.56%
2010 Canadian Cremation Rate: 58.17%
2010 Top 10 U.S. States by Percentage of Deaths Cremated
Nevada – 73.46%
Washington – 70.96%
Oregon – 69.40%
Hawaii – 68.96%
Montana %
Maine: 63.40%
Colorado %
Arizona %
New Hampshire %
Alaska %
Projected 2015 U.S. Rate: 46.57%
(National Funeral Directors Association - Source: Cremation Association of North America)

10. Is Cremation Right For You?
In conclusion, we have learned about the advantages, disposition, definition and process of cremation.
A Few Things to Remember…
The final disposition of human remains depends on the personal wishes of the deceased, as well as their cultural and religious beliefs. Many religions have different opinions in regards to cremation.
You should ALWAYS respect and honor the wishes of the deceased.
This decision should not be made lightly. It should be made with great care and responsibility.
Ultimately it is the family’s decision to decide if cremation is the right step.

11. Bibliography
Cremation Association of North America. © All rights reserved.“Why Cremation?”Web.
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National Funeral Directors Association © 2012.”Statistics: Cremation Facts.”Source:Cremation Association of North America.Web.
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Wikipedia: The FreeEncyclopedia.“Cremation.”Web.
< page was last modified on 11 April 2012 at 10:48.