Can a Mortuary Collect Metal Cremated with a Body?
Many people often wonder if a mortuary can collect any metal that is present in cremated remains. The answer to this question is yes, but it involves several crucial steps in the cremation process. Let's delve deeper into the details.
The Cremation Process
The cremation process itself involves the use of a specialized cremation chamber to incinerate a body. Prior to this process, certain safety checks and preparations are essential. This begins with the use of a metal detector wand to identify any valuable items like jewelry or medical devices. However, the main focus during the cremation is to ensure all metals are properly removed to avoid any mishaps during the cremation process.
The Use of Metal Detectors
Before the actual cremation begins, a metal detector wand is used to scan the body. This scan is crucial for a few reasons:
Identifying valuable items of jewelry for return to the family if possible.
Checking for any implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or other prosthetics, that may be present.
Once the body is placed in the cremation chamber, the metal detector is again used to scan the inside of the chamber for any additional metal objects that may have been missed, such as metal buttons or zippers from clothing. This step is critical to ensure a safe and efficient cremation process.
Post-Cremation Metal Collection
After the cremation process is complete, a large magnet is passed over the cremated remains. This process serves several important purposes:
Removing any smaller metal parts that may have been missed during the first scan.
Capturing metal components from the casket if the body was placed in a metal casket.
Collecting medical implants and other small metal debris that may have been part of the body.
The magnet is swept over the remains to catch and remove these metal pieces. In some cases, additional sieving processes may also be employed to ensure all small metal particles are accounted for.
What Happens to the Collected Metals?
All the collected metals are typically sent for recycling, as they often have no value to the crematory. The primary concern for the mortuary is the safe and efficient removal of metal to prevent any interference with the incineration process. Once the recycling process is complete, the metals are transformed into new materials, completing their journey in a sustainable manner.
Industry Standards and Practices
In the industry, there are strict protocols and standards for metal detection and collection. These processes are not only safety measures but also ensure that families are able to recover any valuable items if needed. This level of care and attention to detail is crucial in maintaining trust with the families who entrust the cemetery with the disposition of their loved ones.
Key Takeaways
A mortuary can collect metal during and after the cremation process.
This metal is typically sent for recycling and has no value to the crematory.
Metal detection and collection are crucial steps in ensuring a safe and efficient cremation process.
These practices are guided by industry standards aimed at maintaining the highest level of care and consistency.
Conclusion
The process of metal detection and collection during and after a cremation is a vital part of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the procedure. It's also an opportunity for families to recover valuable items if necessary. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this process, it's always best to contact the mortuary or cemetery directly for more detailed information.