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Water Cremation: A New Era of Death Care in Baltimore
THE BUZZ!
A Baltimore mortician is performing water cremation — before regulations are in place
Have you ever heard of water cremation? It’s like a washing machine for the afterlife, says Joseph H. Brown of West Baltimore. Instead of fire, this innovative process—formally known as alkaline hydrolysis—uses hot water, chemicals, and a little agitation to dissolve human remains.
This practice, recently legalized in Maryland, is still waiting on formal regulations, creating a bit of a gray area. But that hasn’t stopped Joseph H. Brown of West Baltimore, who believes he’s the first in the state to offer it. He charges $5,000 for it, compared to $1,700 for a traditional flame cremation. And calls it a gentler, more spiritual option—and much better for the environment. Unlike traditional cremation, which burns fuel at over 1,000°F, water cremation operates at just 140°F and produces no air pollution.
The process takes about three hours. And all that’s left are sterile water and bone fragments, which can be turned into ashes.
The leftover water is considered sterile, and contains salts, sugars, amino acids and peptides. There is no tissue or DNA left after the process completes. That water is then released into Baltimore City’s sewer system, and heads to the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment.
It’s a step toward more sustainable death care. Another funeral arrangement option and a greener way to go.
What do you think about that?
Source: Baltimore Sun
