Resomation - a Process of Chemical Cremation

The process of chemical cremation combines water and potassium hydroxide to quickly turn human remains to liquid.

Anderson McQueen Funeral Home in St Petersburg, Florida has now performed more than 20 chemical cremations, and we're getting a first look at the machine and the process.

Lynn Moshier recently committed to resomation for her 96-year-old mother Katie Fisher.

"After she heard about it she said, 'that sounds good, and besides I didn't feel like going by fire anyhow.' And that's the way I feel. I feel like fire [through traditional cremation] is violent."

Watch the Video

Cremation experts, like Paul Rahilll, agree the chemical cremation process can be considered more peaceful. Rahill also says it's a more "green" process with little impact on the environment.

"Will it be the predominant choice? Not in my career. Maybe in the next one. We'll see, but it depends on how quickly the public embraces this type of a process."

The liquid remains from the cremation process go "down the drain" like any other waste water.

St. Petersburg officials allow the liquid because it has a pH level of 11.5 or less. Many common household products like oven cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and bleach have pH levels even higher than the liquid remains of resomation.

If Lynn and her mother are any indication, the new technology could grow quickly.

"I'm not adverse to change. If it's something that's going to better the environment and our lives? I'm for it! And what a wonderful way for my mother to leave this earth...starting something new to help everybody else."

SOURCE