Cremation, Air Pollution, and Special Use Permitting: A Case Study

Risks to health posed by emissions of hazardous air pollutants from crematories are emerging concerns. The presence of silver-mercury amalgams in bodies results in airborne emissions of mercury; and the combustion of essentially any material results in emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs; dioxins). These and other trace emissions from crematories are not regulated at the U.S. federal or (typically) state level, but neighborhood concerns may necessitate quantitative evaluations of potential local impacts, and local officials may need to rely on such evaluations in order to determine whether and under what conditions to grant (or deny) operating permits. Here we present a case study in which these and other issues were evaluated. Using air dispersion models and health risk assessment models, we predicted exposures that would be within health-based guidelines. Concerned citizens provided information that seemed to suggest otherwise. In the end, communication, education, and compromise led to a favorable result.