Are Emissions From Cremations Regulated?

State environmental protection agencies regulate crematory emissions by way of air permits. Emission regulations can vary by state, but there are standard emission regulations that crematories are expected to adhere to, similar to other business regulations. These regulations include providing emission data to regulating bodies and understanding that visible smoke or emissions are subject to investigation from the state or municipality. Air permits can also indicate approved operating hours, zoning requirements, and the number of pounds that may be cremated within a specific timeframe. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some air quality regulators lifted restrictions on the number of cremations that could be performed or increased operating hours for crematories to help them meet the increased demand for cremations. Although lifted regulations made it easier for crematories to address the influx of bodies, they also raised concerns about the consequences of human and environmental exposure to higher emission levels. As the demand for cremations gradually decreased during the pandemic and regulators transitioned back to enforcing their original limitations, air quality concerns also began to decline. 

Cremations typically release various pollutants into the air, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, mercury, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, which can negatively impact the environment and the human body. Crematories are expected to maintain and use the appropriate equipment and technology to control and reduce emissions as much as possible. The requirement to provide emission data ensures that crematories will maintain regular monitoring and reporting to achieve compliance with the regulating state body. Ultimately, although cremation emissions are regulated, it is crucial for crematories to consistently implement environmentally friendly practices and new technologies to reduce the overall impact on air quality. 

Sources

“Environmental Impact of Cremation”. Cremation Association of North America. https://www.cremationassociation.org/blog/environmental-impact-of-cremation#:~:text=Now%2C%20in%20addition%20to%20zoning,city%2C%20etc.%2C%20levels. 

“Los Angeles lifts air-quality limits for cremations as Covid doubles death rate”. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/18/los-angeles-covid-coronavirus-deaths-cremation-pandemic 

“Neighbors hope for relief from crematorium smoke as COVID-19 deaths decrease”. Cronkite News. https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2021/03/25/neighbors-hope-for-relief-from-crematorium-smoke-as-covid-19-deaths-decrease/ 

“Round-the-Clock Cremations Stoke Mercury Fears for Neighborhoods”. Bloomberg Law. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/round-the-clock-cremations-stoke-mercury-fears-for-neighborhoods