Why Are Human Ashes So Small? Unveiling the Cremation Process

The seeming paradox of a large human body being reduced to a relatively small amount of ash after cremation often sparks curiosity and even a bit of confusion. The simple answer is that cremation eliminates almost all organic matter, leaving behind primarily bone fragments that are then processed into a granular form. But let’s delve deeper into the fascinating science behind this transformative process.

The Science Behind the Size Reduction

The cremation process is a carefully controlled application of intense heat. A body is placed in a specially designed furnace, often called a retort, where temperatures reach between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (760 to 980 degrees Celsius). At these temperatures, a series of chemical and physical changes occur:

• Combustion of Soft Tissues: The intense heat first incinerates the soft tissues, organs, and bodily fluids. These organic materials are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, which are released as gases (mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor) into the atmosphere. This is the first significant reduction in mass.

• Dehydration and Calcination of Bones: Next, the bones undergo dehydration, losing all their moisture. The remaining bone material, primarily calcium phosphate, is then calcined, meaning it is heated to a high temperature to remove any remaining organic components. This process leaves behind brittle, calcified bone fragments.

• Pulverization: The resulting bone fragments, though seemingly substantial, are still not in the form of “ashes” we typically envision. These fragments are then processed in a machine called a cremulator, which grinds them into a fine, granular consistency. This pulverization significantly reduces the volume of the remains, resulting in the “ashes” that are returned to the family.

Essentially, cremation is a process of complete oxidation of organic matter, leaving behind only the inorganic mineral components of the bones in a processed form. The reduction in size is primarily due to the elimination of water, soft tissues, and other organic substances that make up the majority of a human body’s mass. The final weight and volume depend on factors like bone density and body size, but the principle remains the same: a dramatic transformation from complex organic form to simple inorganic residue.

What Determines the Amount of Ashes?

Several factors influence the final quantity of cremated remains:

• Body Size and Bone Density: Larger individuals and those with higher bone density generally result in a greater quantity of ashes.

• Age: Older individuals may have lower bone density, potentially leading to slightly less ash.

• Cremation Container: While the container is fully combusted during the process, residue or other materials can add to the final mass.

• Medical Implants: Prosthetics, implants, and other medical devices are typically removed prior to cremation. Those that remain will be processed along with the bones, contributing a small amount to the final weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cremation Ashes

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of human ashes:

How big is the ashes from a human?

The ashes from a woman typically average between 4-6 lbs, while for men it’s 6-8 lbs. However, these are just averages. Weight can vary from as little as 3 lbs to as much as 10 lbs depending on bone density and overall size.

Is there DNA in human ashes?

No, the actual ashes themselves are unlikely to contain viable DNA. The extreme heat of the cremation process degrades DNA. While bones and teeth may potentially hold some DNA before pulverization, the pulverization process damages any remaining DNA making it very difficult to analyze.

What they don’t tell you about cremation?

Many people mistakenly believe the body is simply set on fire. In reality, the cremation process involves intense heat generated within a specially designed furnace (retort) to effectively reduce the body to its basic elements.

Why are human ashes so light in color?

The light color is a direct result of the high temperatures within the cremation chamber. Bones must reach temperatures exceeding 1,472°F (800°C) to produce lighter-colored ashes.

Are human ashes still human?

The high temperatures involved in cremation eliminate all tissue, organs, and other organic matter. What remains are primarily processed bone fragments. So, while they are the remnants of a human body, they are no longer considered human tissue.

Do human ashes get mixed?

Mixing cremated remains is illegal unless specifically requested by the deceased or authorized by the family. Cremation chambers are designed to cremate one body at a time, ensuring individual remains are kept separate.

Do teeth burn during cremation?

Teeth usually burn up during the cremation process. Any tooth fragments that remain are processed during the pulverization stage.

Do they drain blood before cremation?

Draining blood or other fluids before cremation is not a standard practice. If a body is embalmed, fluids are exchanged for embalming chemicals, but no draining occurs solely for the purpose of cremation.

Why is the skull broken during cremation?

The skull isn’t deliberately broken. The intense heat causes the bones to crack, splinter, and break into shards.

Do ashes have energy?

In the scientific sense, cremated ashes do not possess any significant energy. The energy contained within the body is released during combustion and dissipates into the environment. You can explore more about energy and learning through resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

What are human ashes made of?

Cremation ashes primarily consist of calcium phosphate, along with trace amounts of other minerals like salts of potassium or sodium, and perhaps a small amount of carbon in the form of carbonate.

Can cats smell cremated ashes?

Cremated ash generally doesn’t have an odor. While pets may not react to the ashes themselves, they might exhibit signs of grief or loss due to the absence of their companion.

Are human ashes mostly bone?

Yes, cremation ashes mainly consist of bone fragments that have been processed into a granular form.

Can you divide human ashes?

Yes, human ashes can be divided. Anyone can divide the ashes, but many families choose to have the funeral provider perform this task to ensure it is done respectfully and accurately.

Are eyes removed during embalming?

No, eyes are not removed during embalming. Instead, eye caps are placed under the eyelids to maintain the eye’s shape.