How Cremation Works

There are a lot of myths surrounding how cremation works. Many people think it is as simple as lighting the body on fire. However, the cremation process is actually much more technical in nature. At Potomac Valley we have trained and professional cremation operators who specialize in executing the cremation process. 



Once the deceased arrives at the crematory the individual is identified and a strict chain-of-custody is established to ensure the body remains accurately tracked and identified throughout the entire cremation process. In fact, a metal identification tag is added to the body and stays with the remains throughout the process.  The next of kin must sign appropriate paperwork to authorize the cremation and begin the process. 

If we are not ready to begin the cremation immediately, the individual is placed in a refrigeration unit. The process starts with the cremation operators removing any jewelry, medical devices (i.e. pacemakers), prostheses, and implants from the body. The body is then placed in a container made from wood or heavy cardboard. Today, the cremation process utilizes a specialized large furnace referred to as a retort that is fueled by either propane or natural gas. The heat from the retort ignites the container and the body dries out. The retort will reach temperatures between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat reduces the human body from its familiar form to bone fragments. So essentially, the cremation process just quickens the natural process of decomposition that occurs when the body is buried. What would take months or even years to occur naturally, cremation accomplishes within 2 to 2.5 hours. 

Once the cremation is complete, the bone fragments must be cooled before handling. What remains is then put into a special processor designed to pulverize the bone fragments to a finer consistency. This material, commonly known as "ashes", is then placed inside a plastic bag within a temporary plastic or cardboard cremation container. The ashes are then safeguarded at the crematory until the next of kin is ready to pick them up.