In April 2013, the state of Seabrook, NH decided to revoke the law against a new process known as resomation. In Seabrook, NH, cremation services continue to dislike the reference to this type of treatment as cremation. Yet, in the media there continues to be a link made between the two methods - resomation and creation services. In Seabrook, NH, the state that accepted, rejected and has now accepted this as a viable alternative to traditional burial, the comparison now is coming under closer scrutiny by legislative officials, the public and funeral providers.
What is Cremation?
Cremation is the disposal of the deceased through the use of a crematory. The body is reduced through the application of high temperatures to a bone ash that is further processed into a finer ash or cremains. The body is then placed in a container - usually an urn. The bereaved then picks up the urn. He or she can dispose of the cremains through burial or scattering. The urn can also find a place in a scattering garden or niche in a columbarium.
Cremation comes in two types: Cremation with a service and direct cremation. The type of cremation has a viewing or similar ceremony with the deceased present prior to cremation; the latter does not. Both types of cremation are growing in popularity. One simple reason is cost. Cremation costs in Seabrook, NH and in other states are lower than those for a traditional funeral.
What is Resomation?
Resomation has several names. It is Aquamation and bio-cremation. In scientific terms it is alkaline hydrolysis. Yet, to the annoyance of many, it is also known as non-flame cremation. The source of this is the process.
To reduce the human body to something small enough to put into an urn, resomation uses a lye-like solution (potassium hydroxide). It combines it with extremely hot water. The body enters the solution and becomes reduced to liquid and bone-ash in approximately three hours. The remains are then introduced into a cremulator. This reduces them to the finer cremains common to cremation services in Seabrook, NH and elsewhere.
A Brief History of Resomation in America
In the 1990s, the method was discovered in the United States as being a viable way to dispose of animal remains. The outcome of the method was sterile. Therefore, it was suggested particularly as the means of safely removing the carcasses of those cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). It did not become employed in the disposal of human cadavers until the method was adopted by the Mayo Clinic in 2006 and the University of Florida. It has since become legal in Florida and Minnesota. In Seabrook, NH, the process has had a rollercoaster ride.
In 2006, resomation became legal in Seabrook, NH. Later that year, the Legislature reversed its decision. In 2009, SB332-FN was brought to the table in an attempt to bring it back. Some objection was made at its governance, being included in the laws for Seabrook, NH cremation services. It failed. However, in April 2013, resomation was once again made legal in the state.
Resomation and Cremation Services in Seabrook, NH: A Comparison
Some experts and Seabrook, NH cremation services providers claim there is no comparison. They believe the two have little in common. They are as diverse as the liquid used in resomation and the heat utilized in cremation. They dispute everything from environmental emissions to Seabrook, NH cremation costs. Yet, a few commonalities do exist.
- The end result - reduce the deceased to a combination of bone fragments and ash - cremains
- The common container for both methods is an urn
- Both have emissions - cremations produce airborne substances; resomation has liquid remains
- Both draw on energy to create the cremains - the resomation chamber requires electricity to heat the water while a retort for the cremation process demands its fair share of power
Yet, there are several differences. Resomation supporters believe the process is more environmentally friendly than cremation. It does not send toxic fumes - mercury and CO2 into the air. Any by-product is treated by the local sewage treatment plant. Overall, resomation proponents cite the process as being an environmentally friendly alternative to either traditional burials or cremation.
Another difference between the two is what they leave behind. If a body has implants or fillings, cremation reduces these and sends their toxic substances into the air. In the case of resomation, the implants and other devices are left behind. This allows potential recycling.
Those who support any other form of burial declare the entire process of resomation to be barbaric. They consider it an undignified way to treat the remains of the deceased. They find cremation to be a more respectable way to treat the deceased. This has certainly been true for the option in Seabrook, NH. Cremation services providers have often agreed with this approach.
Where there may be a major difference is the cost. Seabrook, NH cremation costs are typically low. The cost of resomation when compared to cremation costs in Seabrook, NH may range higher. Proponents of resomation would also say it has a lower environmental price tag. They believe this should outweigh any lower cremation costs in Seabrook, NH.
If you want to discuss your options, including burial, cremation, or resomation --- whatever your choice, you can talk to us. Find out further information - including Seabrook, NH cremation costs and discover whether resomation or cremation is how you best want to proceed.
