January 22, 2001

Cremation facts
___Q. Is cremation cheaper than a traditional burial?
___A. Yes, usually. Though not the only reason people choose cremation, cost often is a strong influence. Cremation eliminates the need for one of the most expensive funeral items, the casket. Caskets sell for $2,000 up to as much as $10,000, although some cheaper alternatives are available via the Internet. Also, if a body is to be cremated, it does not have to be embalmed, particularly if there will be no visitation or viewing. If a body to be cremated is to be viewed by friends and family, funeral homes offer rental casket options that are much cheaper. Other costs potentially eliminated through cremation include the purchase of a burial plot, purchase of a grave liner and payment for opening and closing the grave, a service which can run up to $1,000 in some cemeteries. Cremation services may be purchased for less than $1,000 in some areas.
___Q. What other expenses are associated with cremation?
___A. Depending on what type of services are desired, additional expenses could include embalming, funeral arrangements, purchase of an urn or other memorial container, purchase of space in a cemetery or columbarium.
___Q. What happens when a body is cremated?
___A. The body, usually enclosed in a plain wooden box or heavy cardboard box, is inserted into a cremation chamber, where temperatures will reach 1,500 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. After two and a half to three hours, the process of heat and evaporation will have reduced the body to a collection of bone fragments, not ashes. These remains are collected in a hopper at the bottom of the chamber and then packaged for appropriate distribution. Some crematories provide further processing of these bone fragments to create a more uniform consistency of tiny pieces.
___Q. Can cremated remains be scattered anywhere?
___A. No. Cremated remains may only be scattered in areas where prior approval has been received and where allowed by law. While scattering fulfills the desires of some individuals, it can be a traumatic experience for other survivors, experts say.
___Q. What is the weight of a typical body's remains?
___A. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh from 4 to 6 pounds.

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