Burning to know: neighborhood mercury exposure from crematoriums (20m Lecture)

image: www.newstalkzb.co.nz

Cremation is an increasingly popular means of final disposition. In Minnesota cremations now account for almost 50% of all funeral arrangements. A growing public awareness of the environmental hazards associated with cremations has made the placement of crematoriums in communities a hot topic. In particular, mercury emissions from dental amalgams during cremation are an issue that has galvanized community opposition.

In Minneapolis new crematoriums are only allowed in crematories. However, Minneapolis has one existing crematorium located in a residential neighborhood of south Minneapolis. Residents adjacent to the crematorium filed a complaint with the expressing their concern over their potential exposure to toxic materials including mercury.

Most studies involving mercury emissions from crematoriums focus on measuring either the number of amalgams in the corpses or direct emissions testing of the stack. Given both the fate and transport of mercury as well as mercury exposure pathways these do not provide information on the actual exposure to the residents. The information tends to inflame the residents’ emotions while not providing them with accurate exposure information.

The City of Minneapolis Department of Health conducted a study of the actual breathing zone mercury exposure in the neighborhood adjacent to the crematorium. Staff conducted the study over three days while the crematorium operated under maximum output. The results showed that even with the crematorium running at peak operating levels the residents’ mercury exposure was not over normal ambient levels/