BMS Cremation and Alternative Disposition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What temperature range is typically maintained inside a cremation retort during the cremation process?
- 700°F to 900°F
- 1,400°F to 1,800°F (Correct answer)
- 2,200°F to 2,500°F
- 500°F to 700°F
Correct answer: 1,400°F to 1,800°F
Cremation retorts operate between 1,400°F and 1,800°F (760°C–982°C), which is sufficient to fully combust soft tissue and reduce remains to bone fragments.
Question 2: What is the accepted industry term for the processed bone fragments returned to the family after cremation?
- Ashes
- Cremains (Correct answer)
- Residue
- Calcite deposits
Correct answer: Cremains
"Cremains" is the standard mortuary science term for the processed bone fragments (cremated remains) returned to the family after cremation.
Question 3: What is the approximate weight range of cremated remains from an average adult?
- 1 to 2 pounds
- 3 to 9 pounds (Correct answer)
- 10 to 15 pounds
- 15 to 20 pounds
Correct answer: 3 to 9 pounds
Adult cremated remains typically weigh between 3 and 9 pounds, varying based on the individual's body size and bone density.
Question 4: Which item must ALWAYS be removed from a decedent before cremation due to the risk of explosion?
- Dental amalgam fillings
- Cardiac pacemakers (Correct answer)
- Titanium joint implants
- Glass prosthetic eyes
Correct answer: Cardiac pacemakers
Cardiac pacemakers contain batteries that can explode violently at cremation temperatures, posing a serious danger to retort equipment and personnel.
Question 5: Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) dissolves human remains using water combined with which chemical agent?
- Sodium chloride
- Formaldehyde
- Potassium hydroxide (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen peroxide
Correct answer: Potassium hydroxide
Alkaline hydrolysis uses a heated solution of water and potassium hydroxide (and sometimes sodium hydroxide) under pressure to break down soft tissue, leaving only bone.
Question 6: The secondary chamber of a cremation retort serves which primary purpose?
- Cooling cremated remains before processing
- Afterburning gases and particulates to reduce air emissions (Correct answer)
- Storing bodies awaiting cremation
- Processing bone fragments into fine powder
Correct answer: Afterburning gases and particulates to reduce air emissions
The secondary (afterburner) chamber combusts smoke, gases, and particulates produced in the primary chamber, significantly reducing harmful environmental emissions.
Question 7: In the United States, which entity primarily authorizes and regulates cremation practices at the practitioner level?
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- State funeral service licensing boards (Correct answer)
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Correct answer: State funeral service licensing boards
Cremation authorization and funeral practice regulations in the U.S. are primarily governed by each state's funeral service licensing board or equivalent state regulatory body.
BMS Cremation and Alternative Disposition 1
What temperature range is typically maintained inside a cremation retort during the cremation process?