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Cremation to be replaced by eco-friendly freeze-drying of corpses
Last updated at 00:07am on 10.10.06
Freeze drying corpses is an eco-friendly way of disposing with dead bodies
It brings a new meaning to the phrase "dust to dust".
Funerals in Britain could soon end with the body of a loved-one being frozen to -196C in liquid nitrogen and then shaken until it disintegrates into powder.
The process - known as "promession" - could be the answer to the dwindling amount of space in Britain's cemeteries as well as being more environmentally friendly than cremation, say campaigners.
It has already been given the go-ahead in Sweden, and now councils are lobbying the Government to change the law to allow it to happen here - currently bodies can only be buried or cremated.
A survey of 100 local authorities found that more than a quarter were already actively considering freeze-drying bodies, the latest being Preston in Lancashire.
Many cemeteries will run out of space within ten years, forcing councils to consider unpopular solutions such as "double-decker" graves, with coffins buried on top of one another, or even vertically - effectively standing up.
Around seven out of ten people currently opt for the cheaper option of cremation, but that also has its problems.
Burning dental fillings creates mercury emissions, and Government targets mean filters must be fitted to crematoria, some of which may have to be completely rebuilt as a result at a cost of millions.
Supporters also say it boosts the environment further as it is better at recycling nutrients than burial where the body is embalmed and buried at greater depth.
So as bizarre as it sounds, growing numbers of councils are signing up to the idea of freeze-drying bodies.
The process involves dipping the body in -196C liquid nitrogen until it is brittle, and then placing it on a vibrating mat so it disintegrates into powder.
Remains
A magnetic field then removes metal objects like fillings and artificial limbs from the remains.
The town of Jönköping in Sweden - where the process was invented by an ecologist - is set to become the first to begin disposing of bodies in this way later this year, and it is being watched eagerly by authorities in Britain.
Here, Crewe and Nantwich council in Cheshire is leading the way thanks to the enthusiasm of its cemetery and crematoria manager, Mary Slinn.
"Everything points to it dealing with many of the problems we face in disposing of bodies, and a growing number of councils are interested in finding out more," she said.
"But until the law is amended, we cannot take it any further.
"It's not legal or illegal, but the law only permits burial or cremation at the moment, and we hope the growing interest in alternative methods like this will see that changed."
Among at least 27 councils which have expressed an interest are Leicester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carlisle and Fareham in Hampshire.
Anthony Gornall, who chairs Preston City Council's working group on the future of disposal of bodies, said: "Mercury abatement on crematoria is going to cost us a fortune, well over a-quarter-of-a-million pounds per unit, and this has got to be worth looking at."
A key consideration will be cost - authorities would need to build what have been dubbed "promatoria" in which bodies could be freeze-dried - although ceremonies would probably carry a similar price to cremation.
The Church of England and other churches say they have no objection to freeze-drying of bodies in principle, provided it is done with dignity and reverence.
The Department of Constitutional Affairs said it would consult on changing the law if the idea won widespread support.
Reader views (10)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
I think it is a great idea. I hate the thought of burial or cremation, so I would give a thumbs up to this idea.
- Jenn Ie, Somerset, Street, Somerset
We are opening a natural burial ground on our farm next spring. The 12acre field is a natural long established hay meadow, with wonderful views over the Dorset & Somerset countryside.
We hope this will give families another choice when faced with the loss of a family member. Personally I find it quite alarming the amount of polution which comes from cremation and I am in favour of freezing for those who can't face burial.
- Joanna Vassie, Corscombe Dorset
Humans are too egotistcal. The cheapest, most environmentally efficient method should be used. With 6 billion and exponentially growing population man needs to think fast and downsize all wastage on the planet for future generation- if this generation does not terminate life possibilities.
- Lee, BC Canada
What's wrong with a simple green burial? I mean, logic tells me that it doesn't matter but I hate the idea of a loved one being shattered like that. Maybe I'm just too traditional though.
- Jason, UK
I will be contacting my local council to show support for this method.
It will be my choice if available, when the time comes.
If mercury fillings are a problem, couldn't mercury filled teeth simply be removed before freezing takes place?
- Linda Wright, Leicester UK
I would like to think that soon the government will allow this to became a legal practice, soon. I have expressed my wishes to my family and this is the only way I want to go. I hope that the wishes I have for my funeral are able to come to pass. It sounds crazy but the thought of being buried or cremated fills me with dread. Yes I know I will be dead, but I m alive now and expressing how I want to go and therefore still have feelings.
- P. Wilkes, Cannock, England
Four things:
1. What is the ammout of energy used in the process?
2. What is the dollar cost?
3. Does the process destroy any diseases or pathogens that may be present?
4. Around here, embalming is not required unless you stay around for more than three days post mortum.
- Paul Dennison, USA
There is no mention of the energy consumption required to keep the volume of Nitrogen in its liquid state.
The comments about needing to embalm bodies before burial are quite wrong and misleading - there should be no need for embalming, a process which uses toxic chemicals to preserve the body, for normal burial.
Natural burial is still by far the most environmentally friendly and only truly sustainable way to dispose of human remains. Simple, natural materials, dignified traditional ceremonies and preservation of the land for future generations.
- James Leedam, Monmouth, Wales
I read about this a few years ago and I'm glad to see the idea is taking off.
We have no option but to adopt this as it will surely have a dramtic impact on our carbon emissions.
I have absolutely no problem with the method and whilst I understand people are entitled to a dignified exit, I find this no more traumatising than cremation.
- Janine, London, England
Seems a cold hearted way of burial if you ask me!
- Jack Frost, Iceland