Hi K.M, thanks for your response. Regarding your question of "what metals from human cremation process will be most important", I am looking specifically at mercury release as well as dispersion of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) that are typical emissions from cremation process. Regarding contaminants from "green burial", that will depend hugely on the materials used in the construction of the casket. Let me know if you need further clarification

Kenneth.....

Mercury is typically from dental fillings that have not been removed prior to cremation. Dioxin/furans could originate from previous dietary histories and bioaccumulation of these compounds in human tissues/organs, and through further chemical reaction under combustion/cremation conditions. Other sources of toxic chemicals including radioisotopes could originate from materials such as implants and prosthetics as well cremation of patients treated with radiopharmaceuticals.

Yes, I am looking at contaminants (mercury, radioactive isotopes, PCDDs and PCDFs) arising from the entire cremation process as well other factors such as design of cremation chambers, site of crematoriums in relation to valued ecosystems, abatement equipment and other factors that could inhibit or facilitate dispersion of contaminants to the wider environment. I had mentioned “casket” in my last response to your question on green burials in recognition that biodegradable “caskets” are now becoming widely used in green burials/clean cremation/natural burial industry (sorry did not clarify that). There is also a growing perception that natural burial is clean, and without any pollution.

Again, If our definition of natural burial is only founded on a system of “interment of the body of a dead person in the soil in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition but allows the body to recycle naturally’, then I guess there is need to revisit the entire concept/definition to now address pressing environmental issues arising directly from leachate and seepage of contaminants (e.g metals, pharmaceuticals and other toxic compounds etc)  following biodegration of the body…..….. Many religions practice natural burials around the world, but is not without pollution concerns. i guess this bring us back to the need of re-evaluating our perception of cleanliness natural burial as  well our metrics for the determination of what is green or how green is green (as green could be very subjective) particularly in the context of human burial.  

Thanks for the chart. Please where did you get this from. I certainly agree with you that population is really an important factor in all this and a very crucial determinant for pollution. Another issue that am also interested in looking at specifically is the inconsistencies and gaps in environmental regulations applied to the cremation industry, as well as the politics and industry motivation or lack of motivation for use of abatement equipment (I guess this is an entirely different topic).