Human Geography Urban or Local Research Paper

According to the Oregon Environmental Council the estimated cost per year of environmentally attributed cancer is around $131 million for both adults and children. Much about cremation is unknown but it is believed that the process of cremation emits several harmful chemicals into the air including benzene, mercury (from mercury fillings) and persistent organic pollutants. Modern crematoriums, like any burning industry are regulated by laws and standards that require the removal of certain smells and ash waste from the smoke that is emitted but like any other industry enforcement is spotty if present and standards are not checked after initial certification unless there are overt violations and complains. Self report is the manner in which crematoriums are permitted initially and on an ongoing basis every five years. "Crematoriums are regulated through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). They must adhere to emission regulations as well as obtain an operating permit. Particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrochloric acid (HCL) are the regulated emittants. Mercury and dioxin are two other end products of the cremation process that are not regulated at the present time." (University of Florida Environmental Engineering Website: Crematorium Regulations, 2001)

Summary

The air quality in Portland is overall significantly higher as are benzene levels, a known emanate of burning of any kind but have been found in the air emissions of crematoriums, along with several other volatile air pollutants. Though the incidence of pollution related cancer is associated with all environmental pollution the incidence was found to be higher in Portland in general because of the higher overall air pollution. The patterns of placing and allowing the continued existence of crematoriums in residentially dense locations would seem to be in need of review, as for the most part direct air pollution is far more obvious in other industries, and is much more likely to be challenged by regional and local laws and organizations, in addition to federal, state and local regulatory processes that already exist. Works Cited Chea, Terrance."Cremation Pollution? Neighbors Nervous " 2007 at: . Herzog, Beth. "Adult and Childhood Cancer" Oregon Environmental Council 2007 at: . Knight, William "Air Quality: Burning and Smoke" Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 2007 at: . University of Florida Environmental Engineering Website: Crematorium Regulations, 2001 at: ......