Are Human Ashes Toxic?
Are human ashes toxic? The answer is that human ashes or cremains are not inherently toxic to humans. The cremation process reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then pulverized into a fine powder consisting mainly of calcium phosphates, with some minor minerals such as sodium and potassium. These components are generally considered to be inert and safe for human contact.
However, while human ashes are not toxic to humans, they can pose environmental challenges if not treated properly. Untreated cremation ash has a very high pH, similar to that of bleach or oven cleaner, which can be harmful to soil and plant life. The high sodium content of ash can also affect the chemical balance of the soil, leading to problems such as salinity, eutrophication and acidity. These conditions can severely affect plant growth and soil health, with studies showing that 90% of tree seedlings planted in untreated ash die within a short period of time.
To address these environmental concerns, treatments such as the Living Legacy Liquid by Mornington Green and Living Legacy Forest are available. These treatments turns cremated ash into nutrients that can be safely incorporated into the soil, becomes food for plant growth and creating sustainable memorials. This process not only neutralizes the harmful effects of untreated ash, but also allows the ash to make a positive contribution to the environment by supporting plant life.
