Funeral industry examines green options

Greener options are available in the
funeral industry.

The funeral services industry in the United States is worth $12 billion, and just like any other industry it is bound to change over time.

One green option is alkaline hydrolysis, an alternative to cremation that liquefies human remains with potassium hydroxide and 300F heat, producing lower carbon emissions.

Then there are biodegradable caskets and formaldehyde-free body preparation, urns made of recycled paper, solar-powered panels that can erect the tombstone and play the deceased person’s favorite songs, and much more.

Green burials are still a small part of the industry – but it seems to be a growing part.

While the general public is often eager to embrace greener alternatives, it’s the industry itself that needs to be convinced - after all, green option are often cheaper, always better for the environment and they may be healthier, too.

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek

Indoor air in funeral homes

The I-6500 is a powerful
air cleaner for odors, chemicals,
dust, particles and pathogens.

Until green alternatives become mainstream choices, the preservation of bodies is often done with chemicals that can become airborne. The embalming fluid used to preserve bodies is composed of toxic substances such as formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol and isopropanol.

These substances can lead to a variety of health symptoms, including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and even cancer.

In order to protect workers and clients from poor indoor air quality, funeral homes and morgues need to have a good ventilation system that is properly maintained, personal protective equipment as needed and a powerful air cleaner with activated carbon to remove irritating odors and chemicals.

Electrocorp has designed industrial air cleaners for funeral homes and embalming services. They feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter and HEPA as well as an optional UV lamp to neutralize bacteria, viruses and molds.

The air scrubbers can be used as portable, stand-alone units, or they can be attached to the ventilation system and hidden.

Contact us for more information and recommendations based on your space’s size and requirements.