CMT CMT Cremation & Alternative Disposition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What alternative disposition method uses an alkaline solution and heat to dissolve soft tissue, leaving only bone fragments?
- Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation/water cremation) (Correct answer)
- Green burial
- Cryomation
- Natural organic reduction
Correct answer: Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation/water cremation)
Alkaline hydrolysis (trade-named aquamation or water cremation) uses a potassium hydroxide solution and heat to hydrolyze soft tissue, leaving clean bone fragments.
Question 2: What is 'natural organic reduction' (NOR), sometimes called human composting?
- A disposition method that converts human remains into soil through a controlled composting process (Correct answer)
- A burial method using biodegradable caskets
- Scattering of cremated remains in a forest
- A green embalming technique
Correct answer: A disposition method that converts human remains into soil through a controlled composting process
Natural organic reduction (NOR) uses a vessel with wood chips, straw, and other materials to facilitate microbial decomposition of the body into usable compost/soil.
Question 3: What is a 'green burial,' and how does it differ from conventional burial?
- A burial using no embalming, biodegradable containers, and no concrete vault, allowing natural decomposition (Correct answer)
- A burial in a nature reserve regardless of container type
- Cremation with remains scattered outdoors
- Burial in a biodegradable urn only
Correct answer: A burial using no embalming, biodegradable containers, and no concrete vault, allowing natural decomposition
Green burial avoids chemical embalming, uses biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and omits concrete vaults so the body returns to the earth naturally.
Question 4: In most US states, who has the legal authority to authorize scattering of cremated remains?
- The legally authorized next-of-kin or the person designated by the decedent in a written directive (Correct answer)
- Only the funeral home director
- The state medical examiner
- Any adult family member without restriction
Correct answer: The legally authorized next-of-kin or the person designated by the decedent in a written directive
Authorization for scattering must come from the legally authorized next-of-kin or someone designated by the decedent, and scattering must comply with state and federal regulations.
Question 5: What federal agency regulates the scattering of cremated remains at sea in the United States?
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Correct answer)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Correct answer: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA regulates sea scattering under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, requiring scattering at least 3 nautical miles from shore.
Question 6: Which of the following items must be removed from a body before cremation for safety reasons?
- Pacemakers and other battery-powered implants (Correct answer)
- Dental crowns
- Surgical plates and screws
- Hearing aids
Correct answer: Pacemakers and other battery-powered implants
Pacemakers and battery-powered devices must be removed before cremation because they can explode at high temperatures, posing a safety risk to the retort and operators.
CMT CMT Cremation & Alternative Disposition 2
What alternative disposition method uses an alkaline solution and heat to dissolve soft tissue, leaving only bone fragments?