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Before Cremation
I The Cremation
I After Cremation
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All cremations are performed individually.
Exceptions can be made only in the case of close relatives, and then
only with the prior written instructions of the authorizing agent(s)
and only if state or local laws allow this.
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The cremation process begins with the placement of the
casket/container in the cremation chamber where it is subjected to
intense heat and flame reaching temperatures between 1400 and 1800
degrees Fahrenheit. All substances are consumed except bone
fragments (calcium compounds) and any non-combustible materials, such
as jewelry, dental gold, prosthesis, latches, hinges, etc., that were
not removed prior to cremation as the temperature is not sufficient to
consume them.
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During the cremation process it may be necessary to
open the cremation chamber and reposition the deceased in order to
facilitate a complete and thorough cremation.
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The time for cremation to be completed varies with the
size and weight of each human remains but usually takes between 1 1/2
to 3 hour.
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Following a cooling period, the cremated remains are
then swept or raked from the cremation chamber. Every effort is
made to remove all human remains. However, a small residue may
remain in the cremation chamber, resulting in incidental commingling
with other cremated remains.
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After the cremated remains are removed from the
cremation chamber all non-combustible materials removed prior to
cremation will be separated and removed from the bone fragments by
visible or magnetic selection and will be disposed of by the crematory
in a non-recoverable manner.
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Once the bone fragments have been separated from the
other material, they may be further processed to reduce the size of
the bone fragments to uniform particles.
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Cremated remains, depending on the bone structure of
the decedent, will weigh between 4 - 8 pounds, and are usually white
or light gray in color, but can be other colors due to temperature
variations and other factors.
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The crematory should be provided with an urn in which
the cremated remains will be placed. If no urn is provided or
the urn is not large enough to hold all the remains, the crematory
will place the remains or any excess in a container made of plastic
light metal, cardboard, unfinished wood, or other suitable material to
hold the remains until an urn is acquired or the cremated remains are
scattered.
Prepared by the Cremation Association of North America,
401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
312-644-6610 for use by its members.
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