Pressure to Change Mortuary Science

Resource: Academic Search Premier (EBSCO)
Title: Pressure to Change Mortuary Science.
Citation: Popular Mechanics Aug2008, Vol. 185 Issue 8, p12-12
Year: 2008
Abstract: The article focuses on the use of alkaline hydrolysis by Brownsbug, Indiana-based company BioSafe Engineering to dispose dead bodies. A body is placed in a stainless-steel container and exposed to lye, 300 F heat and 60 psi of pressure until the soft tissues break down. BioSafe created the system to handle biohazardous material and animal carcasses, but is now marketing it to funeral homes in states where alkaline hydrolysis for humans is legal.
Subject: BIOSAFE Engineering (Company)
CREMATION
HYDROLYSIS
LYE
FUNERAL homes
ISSN: 00324558
IDNumber: 812210
Text: ------------------------------------------
Source: Popular Mechanics, Aug2008
Section: TECH WATCH: NEWSBRIEFS: Reports From the Edge of Science
Pressure to Change Mortuary Science
Dissolving bodies in lye is not just for mafia hit men anymore, now that an Indiana company is touting alkaline hydrolysis to dispose of cadavers. A body is placed in a stainless-steel container and exposed to lye, 300 F heat and 60 psi of pressure until the soft tissues break down. (Bones are softened but stay intact, leaving remains for burial.) BioSafe Engineering, of Brownsburg, Ind., created the system to handle biohazardous material and animal carcasses, but is now marketing it to funeral homes in states where alkaline hydrolysis for humans is legal. Company officials cite an environmental benefit, saying that cremation produces carbon dioxide from body tissues and releases mercury from dental fillings.
PHOTO (COLOR)
~~~~~~~~
Complied by Alex Hutchinson
Copyright of Popular Mechanics is the property of Hearst Brand Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Source: Popular Mechanics
Accession Number: 33361659

http://discover.lib.purdue.edu:8331/V/3BJN9QGJ822QTE4F2IJVVLKLHPTIQJJKKXMF8PABSLLMU1HKQ5-73250?func=meta-3&short-format=002&set_number=005348&set_entry=000005&format=999