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....
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