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PROBLEMAS
AMBIENTALES
DE LOS
CREMATORIOS
Fernando Palacios
Correo electrónico: [email protected]
Ispaster 6 marzo 2018
¿QUÉ SE INCINERA
EN UN
CREMATORIO?
SE INCINERAN
CADÁVERES QUE HAN
ACUMULADO A LO LARGO
DE LA VIDA SUSTANCIAS
PELIGROSAS COMO
METALES PESADOS
DIOXINAS, PBDEs, ETC
Toxicological Overview
Summary of Health Effects
Dioxin is a term used to describe a group of closely related compounds with similar chemical
structures but which vary greatly in their toxicity. These include 75 polychlorinated dibenzo- p-
dioxins and 135 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans, the most toxic being 2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). TCDD is the most extensively studied of the dioxins and
most of the data in this document refer to TCDD.
Dioxins are well absorbed following oral exposure and undergo extensive distribution throughout
body tissues, with particular accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues [1]. Dioxins are also
expected to be well absorbed following inhalation and dermal exposure. Dioxins are not rapidly
eliminated and are extremely persistent, the half-life of TCDD in humans is considered to
approximately 7 to 12 years [2]. Due to the extensive distribution and persistence of absorbed
dioxins there is a high potential for accumulation following repeated exposure.
LAS DIOXINAS SON BIEN ABSORBIDAS POR EXPOSICIÓN ORAL Y ADQUIEREN UNA EXTENSA
DISTRIBUCIÓN EN TODOS LOS TEJIDOS DEL CUERPO, CON ACUMULACIÓN PARTICULAR EN EL
HÍGADO Y EN TEJIDOS ADIPOSOS. LAS DIOXINAS TAMBIÉN SON BIEN ABSORBIDAS POR
INHALACIÓN Y EXPOSICIÓN DÉRMICA. LAS DIOXINAS NO SON ELIMINADAS RÁPIDAMENTE Y
SON EXTREMADAMENTE PERSISTENTES, LA VIDA MEDIA DE LAS TCDD EN PERSONAS SE
CONSIDERA APROXIMADAMENTE DE 7 A 12 AÑOS. DEBIDO A LA EXTENSA DISTRIBUCIÓN Y
PERSISTENCIA DE LAS DIOXINAS ABSORBIDAS EXISTE UN ALTO POTENCIAL ACUMULATIVO
SIGUIENDO A UNA EXPOSICIÓN REPETITIVA.
TAMBIÉN SE INCINERAN:
Materiales que comúmente se encuentran en los
cadáveres (empastes, dentaduras, prótesis, siliconas,
material ortopédico, marcapasos, desfibriladores)
Medicamentos utilizados para tratamientos de la salud
Sustancias químicas del embalsamamiento
Ataúdes (maderas tratadas, barnices,
embellecimientos, herrajes, juntas)
Prendas de ropa natural y sintética
REVIEW ARTICLE Human body preservation – old and new techniques Erich
Brenner
Division for Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Histology
and Embryology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria .J. Anat.
(2014) 224, pp316—344
Embalming fluids
Preservatives or fixatives
Aldehydes
Formaldehyde
Glutaraldehyde
Glyoxal
Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride
1-Methyl-3-octyloxymethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Alcohols
Methanol
Ethanol
Isopropanol
Phenoxyethanol
Sodium Nitrate
Boric acid/sodium borate CONT.
PRODUCTOS DE EMBALSAMAMIENTO
Disinfectants
Phenol
Phenolic derivates
Salicylic acid
Sodium pentachlorophenate
Thymol
4-Chloro-3-methylphenol (parol;4-
chloro-m-cresol,PCMC)
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
Chinosol/oxyquinolin
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Benzalkonium chloride
Tetradecylamine
Polyhexamethylene guanidine
hydrochloride
Modifying agents
Softener
Anticoagulants
Salts
Green or natural embalming fluids
TOXICIDAD PRODUCTOS EMBALSAMAMIENTO
A PESAR DEL RIESGO PARA LA SALUD, LOS EMBALSAMADORES CONTINÚAN
UTILIZANDO SUSTANCIAS CANCERÍGENAS COMO EL FORMOL.
ESTUDIO SOBRE LOS EFECTOS TÓXICOS DE LOS FLUIDOS DE EMBALSAMAMIENTO
PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES Y LOS PROFESIONALES
The guide asks for a copy of temperature recording and stack emission analysis for:
Carbon Dioxide CO2 %
Carbon Monoxide CO %
Oxygen O2 %
Nitrogen N2 %
Water H2O %
Particulate emission
The major public health concern for the people living in the vicinity of crematoria is probably not
mercury but other pollutants such as particulate matter and pollutants from incomplete combustion.
(LA MAYOR PREOCUPACIÓN SOBRE SALUD PÚBLICA EN LAS PERSONAS QUE VIVEN CERCA DE
UN CREMATORIO NO ES PROBABLEMENTE EL MERCURIO SINO OTRAS SUSTANCIAS COMO LAS
PARTÍCULAS Y LOS CONTAMINANTES DE LA COMBUSTIÓN INCOMPLETA).
Mercury is of concern because of long-range transport. Most Mercury is volatilized as elemental
mercury, some is oxidized and a small fraction is bound to particulate matter. Volatilized Mercury re-
deposits and may bio-accumulate in the food chain after methylation by microbiota.
The best option would be to remove amalgam fillings before cremation, but in practice this might be
difficult to achieve for practical and cultural reasons. This option is worth to explore with the
crematorium operator.
CONT.
Public Health Impact of Crematoria (report by Chief Medical Officer of
British Columbia)
EMISIONES DE LA CREMACIÓN
Mercury:
Estimates of average mercury release per cremation of a human body vary considerably:
o 5 to 3.41g in Sweden and Finland[5]: Similar to the 3g in finding from studies from Mills in
UK[6] and Kunzler and Andree[7] in Switzerland.
o Emissions from crematoria were estimated to be the third highest emission source of Mercury
in Sweden[8]. (LAS EMISIONES DE CREMATORIOS FUERON LA TERCERA FUENTE DE
EMISIÓN DE MERCURIO MÁS ALTA DE SUECIA)
o 1.5 g to 4.5 g in the UK (National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory or NAEI ):.
o NAEI estimates that in 1998, crematoria accounted for 11% of the United Kingdom’s total
atmospheric mercury emissions. Between 0.4 to 1.23 tonnes mercury (for 446,000
cremations)[9]
o 0.94 x 10-3 g in US. Results of the testing for uncontrolled mercury emissions of a propane-
fired incinerator at a crematorium inCalifornia ranged from 3.84 x 10-8 to 1.46 x 10-6 kg/body
burned; the average mercury emission factor was 0.94 x 10-3 g/body burned. The test results
were obtained from a confidential test report to the Califonia Air Resource Board (FIRE,
1995).[10]
o EPA estimated that all US crematories, together, would have produced a total of 108 kg of
mercury emissions in 1999 (598,721 cremations).
A US flow model estimates cremation as the third largest source of air emissions of mercury from
products at 2436 kg a year in 2005 (3.4 g per cremation and approximate 709,000 cremations)[11] (EN
ESTADOS UNIDOS SE HA ESTIMADO QUE LA CREMACIÓN ES LA TERCERA FUENTE DE EMISIONES
AÉREAS DE MERCURIO PRODUCIENDO 2436 kg EN 2005 A UNA MEDIA DE 3.4 g DE MERCURIO POR
CREMACIÓN SOBRE UN TOTAL DE 709.000 CREMACIONES).
CONT.
In Canada, amalgam continues to be used for tooth
restorations due to its durability and low cost. The use of
amalgam for new fillings in dentist office is declining and
may eventually even become phased out. Maybe this
problem resolves itself spontaneously in the future. In the
immediate future though emissions from mercury will
probably increase since there is an increase in the number
of cremations and more people retain their heavily restored
teeth into old age.
EN CANADA EN EL FUTURO INMEDIATO LAS EMISIONES
DE MERCURIO PROBABLEMENTE SE INCREMENTARÁN
DEBIDO AL AUMENTO DEL NÚMERO DE CREMACIONES Y
A QUE MUCHAS PERSONAS RETIENEN LOS DIENTES
RESTAURADOS HASTA LA VEJEZ
CONT.
Amalgan contains approximately 50% mercury. It is considered special waste through application of
the BC Special Waste Regulation (BCSWR) under the BC Waste Management Act.[12]
Canada-wide Standard (CWS) on Mercury for Dental Amalgam Waste was endorsed by the Canadian
Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in 2001.[13]
The release from crematoria is not considered in the CWS for Dental amalgam waste.
Dentists have a legal requirement to use a mercury separator in their office.
According to environment Canada Approximately 1.3 T/yr of mercury in new filling material is placed
each year in the mouths of Canadians and approximately 2 Tonnes/yr of mercury in amalgam waste
is generated from the removal of old fillings and from the placing of new fillings.[14]
Of the 215,742 deaths in Canada in 2004, 120,714 bodies have been cremated.[15].
This gives an estimate of 109 kg to 411.6 kg mercury emissions from cremations for the year 2004 (If
we use the estimates of 0.9 to 3.41 g mercury emissions per cremation).
(DE 215.742 MUERTES EN CANADÁ EN 2004, HAN SIDO INCINERADOS 120.714 CADÁVERES,
ESTOS SUPONEN UNA ESTIMACIÓN DE 109 A 411.6 KG DE EMISIONES DE MERCURIO
PROCEDENTES DE CREMACIONES EN 2004, A RAZÓN DE 0.9 A 3.41 GRAMOS DE EMISIONES DE
MERCURIO POR CREMACIÓN).
The total mercury emission for Canada in 2000 was estimated as 8,025 kg.[16]
The OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic calls
for Application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent the dispersal into the environment of
mercury from crematoria[17].National emission standards that require gas cleaning to remove
mercury vapor at new or large crematoria are in place in several European countries (Austria,
Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Norway Sweden and Switzerland).
CONT.
John Reindl, Retired P.E. Retired from Dane County Department of Public Works
Madison, Wisconsin Current email [email protected]
Summary of References on Mercury Emissions from Crematoria September 25,
2012
CONT.
MERCURIO EN EL CABELLO DE TRABAJADORES DE CREMATORIOS: TODOS
LOS EMPLEADOS TIENEN VALORES MEDIOS POR ENCIMA DEL CONTROL
Mercury has been found to be significantly elevated in the
hair of crematorium workers especially in administrators
who work in closed environment with limited air
ventilation. Of the 97 crematoria workers, 3% had
concentrations higher than 6 ppm which is considered as
the maximum tolerable level. Mean mercury concentrations
were 1.96 ppm for administrative personnel and 1.47 ppm
for ground personnel compared to 0.97 ppm for controls.
The number of amalgam fillings was taken into
consideration. A limiting factor of the study is that there is
no information on possible diet exposure to mercury. The
authors argue that fish is only a minor part in the diet in
the UK. The authors conclude that this study contributes to
the evidence that emission monitoring and control is
warranted. [18]
CONT.
Dioxins and furans:
Since cremation is a combustion process of organic matter
dioxin and furans may be formed during the process due to
incomplete combustion or new formation in the stack induced
by high temperatures.
In the USA the emission of dioxins and furans measured at a
crematorium with new technology was 0.5 µg TEQ per cremated
body.
European test data found higher values: 4.9 µg TEQ per body at
two Dutch crematoria and 70–80 µg TEQ in a British
crematorium with older technology. Reviewers of the EPA dioxin
emission inventory report recommend to use the Dutch Data as
reference.[20]
(LOS DATOS SOBRE EMISIONES DE DIOXINAS Y FURANOS AL
INCINERAR CADÁVERES EN CREMATORIOS SON MÁS ALTOS
EN EUROPA QUE EN ESTADOS UNIDOS)
CONT.
A Japanese study, Takeda et al (2001) found an average of 3.9 µg and a median of 1.8
µg TEQ/body with a maximum of 24 µg TEQ/ body. The operational condition of the
crematorium, mainly the temperature control, influenced to a large extent the
emission of dioxins and furans. Takeda found in a study in Japan 1998
measurements ranging from 9.9pg to 6500 pg TEQ/m3 and in a second study in 2001
measurements between 64 pg TEQ/m3 and 24000 pg TEQ/m 3. [21]
The authors concluded that it is necessary to take measures immediately to reduce
emissions given the high volume of cremations.
A recent stack test conducted by Environment Canada at a crematorium located in
Mainland, Ontario detected a dioxins and furans concentration of 227 picograms
ITEQ/m3 resulting in an estimated annual emission rate of .079 milligrams/year.
Higher individual test run results have been noted in testing performed by a
commercial source testing firm on a similar new facility in Windsor, Ontario.[22]
Canada-wide standards have been developed for waste incineration, burning salt
laden wood in coastal pulp and paper boilers, iron sintering, electric arc furnace
steel manufacturing, and conical municipal waste combustion, crematoria are
exempt.
Municipal waste incineration 80pg I-TEQ/m 3
Medical waste incineration 80pg I-TEQ/m 3
Hazardous waste incineration 80pg I-TEQ/m 3
Sewage sludge incineration 80pg I-TEQ/m 3 CONT.
Conclusion and recommendations:
Crematoria have the potential to have a negative impact on public health.
There is a lack of emission data of existing facilities in Canada and North
America. The few emission studies that have been done are on new facilities.
Internationally there is clearly a concern around the polluting capacity of
crematoria. Crematoria emissions are strictly regulated in most European
countries, Japan, and Hongkong. In Canada and the USA, emissions of
crematoria are ‘assumed’ to have only a small impact on public health.
Crematoria should use the best available technology economically achievable
to reduce air pollutant emissions and should operate at an optimal level with
strict temperature control to obtain complete combustion.
Minimum operating temperatures, minimum oxygen levels, maximum carbon
monoxide levels, maximum opacity measures, maximum PM levels should be
established based on work in other jurisdictions.
A crematorium should not be sited [sic] close to a neighborhood (UN
CREMATORIO NO SE DEBERÍA SITUAR EN LA PROXIMIDAD DE UNA ZONA
URBANIZADA)
Stack emissions and ambient air quality should be monitored before and after a
crematorium starts functioning.
Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal Volume 2 Issue 1Symposium
Edition - the West's Aging Dams: Retain or Remove?
Article 7 August 2008 Dust in the Wind? The Bell Tolls for Crematory Mercury
Philip Donald Batchelder
2. MERCURY EMISSIONS FROM CREMATORIA
The origin of mercury emissions from crematoria comes mainly from mercury amalgam
fillings in human remains and potentially from metallic ornamental pieces on caskets
(France). Research in the Netherlands indicates that the number of fillings in Dutch
human remains will decrease from 5,4 to 4,9 over the 1995-2020 period. However, due
to differences in the number of fillings in people of different age groups, the average
amount of fillings will increase from 3,2 to 5,1. This trend means that mercury
emissions in the Netherlands will double between now and 2020 unless abatement
measures are introduced. Cremations in France are increasing (from 2% of deceased
persons in the 1970s to 16% in 2000). The number of ovens has increased in the last
two years by 20, resulting in 110 ovens in 80 crematoria.
Information provided on the estimated amount of mercury emitted from crematoria, the
number of crematoria per country and the number of cremations per year are given in
Table 1. This confirms that mercury from crematoria represent a significant source of
mercury (approximately 1 tonne per annum just for the 8 Contracting Parties reporting).
However, differences in the emissions factors for calculating releases mean that it is
not possible to compare the results. Several Contracting Parties (Netherlands and
Norway) report that emissions will increase in the next few years due to the increasing
number of mercury amalgam fillings per corpse. Sweden reports that emissions of
mercury from crematoria are now the most important point source. France has reported
that mercury is concentrated principally in the dust. CONT.
CONT.
CANTIDADES DE MERCURIO EMITIDAS A LA ATMÓSFERA ANUALMENTE
EN DISTINTOS PAÍSES
5 Note: In general, information was not supplied regarding how
the mercury emissions were calculated, and whether the quoted
figures were based on actual measurements or estimates from
mercury per corpse. 6 Netherlands point out that "the tendency is
an increase of the mercury emissions by crematoria from 80 to
160 kg per year in the next years if there are no measures". 7
Based on measurement of mercury emissions arising from
cremations. 8 Note: This figure is based on the year 2000 and
looks low compared with other countries. The emission is on
average 103,7 mg hg per cremation. 9 Belgium reports that
cremations are increasing by 10% per year. 10 The Icelandic
crematorium operates once a week, if required. 11 No information
available yet; a monitoring programme is under development. 12
Crematoria in Lisbon (2), Oporto (all operated continuously) and
Ferreira do Alentejo (discontinuous operation). Type of
installations: Shelton (two burners on propane gas, temperature
of last chamber 1200ºC). CONT.
Permitting review of an air pollution construction permit for a crematory (Spring Hill
Crematory) to Spring Hill Memorial Park and Funeral Home, LLC at Spring Hill,
Tennessee The Tennessee Division of Air Pollution Control issued a construction
permit to the Spring Hill Crematory
Alternatives Suggestions by the some of the participants indicated other alternatives
for crematories should be addressed. Those included removal of teeth with mercury
amalgams prior to cremation, installing air pollution control equipment such scrubbers
or filters, and moving the crematory site to a more remote location. Regarding
removal of teeth with mercury amalgams prior to cremation is not a prescribed
practice and disdained by the funeral home industry as well as families of the
deceased. The installation of scrubber or filter controls was not needed due to the
extent of the emissions and the cremator design by the manufacturer that is built and
equipped to operate to comply with state standards. Regarding the location of a
crematory, the location of any air pollution source such as a crematory is subject to
approval by local zoning and city and county commissions and is not the prerogative
of the Division of Air Pollution Control. The three main choices for disposition of the
deceased human remains continue to be burials, entombment in vaults, and
cremation. Although some state funeral boards may allow other processes such
alkaline hydrolysis, this alternative is not currently approved by the Tennessee Board
of Funeral Directors and Embalmers/Burial Services. Accordingly, it appears more
crematories will apply for air permits as the demand for cremation continues to
increase. The funeral home business intends to provide that service at a local level
with cremation taking place either at the funeral home property or at some other
location.
CONT.
CONT.
EMISIONES DE UN CREMATORIO EN ITALIA
CONT.
CONT.
CONT.
CONT.
EMISIONES DE UN CREMATORIO EN ITALIA: LOS PARÁMETROS PAHs Y
DIOXINAS Y FURANOS TOTALES (PCDD + PCDF) SON 170 VECES Y 11
VECES MAYORES, RESPECTIVAMENTE, QUE LOS LÍMITES STANDARD.
TAMBIÉN SE SUPERA EL VALOR LÍMITE DEL MERCURIO.
ALTERNATIVAS ECOLÓGICAS
A LOS CREMATORIOS
MÉTODO PROMESSA
http://www.promessa.se/
MÉTODO DE HIDRÓLISIS ALCALINA
http://resomation.com/
Conclusiones sobre los crematorios
Los crematorios incineran cadáveres humanos que contienen
sustancias orgánicas persistentes y acumulativas y una variedad de
materiales que han incorporado las personas durante su vida como
empastes, dentaduras, prótesis, silicona, aparatos electrónicos, etc,
así como los féretros y las sustancias de embalsamamiento.
Los crematorios son una fuente importante de emisiones de
mercurio, metales pesados, dioxinas, bifenilospoliclorados,
hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos y otras sustancias peligrosas
que son cancerígenas, mutágenas o que afectan a la reproducción.
Las emisiones de los crematorios superan los valores standard de
emisión establecidos por las agencias reguladoras.
No está recomendado ubicar los crematorios cerca de zonas
urbanizadas.
Hoy en día los crematorios deben ser sustituidos por instalaciones
ecológicas de secado en frío (método Promessa) o de licuefacción o
disolución del cuerpo (método de hidrólisis alcalina).
