With COVID-related deaths reaching a new single-day high of 401 on Saturday, the EcoWaste Coalition prodded national and local government authorities to ensure that overworked cremators safely operate in accordance with pollution prevention regulations.
Aside from checking the compliance of crematories to the Clean Air Act and related regulations, the waste and pollution watchdog group also urged the authorities to look into the occupational health and safety of funeral service and crematorium workers amid the piling up of bodies to be cremated,
The group further requested the government to ensure that cremation fees and the prices of urns are duly monitored and regulated to prevent overcharging amid increased demand for cremations.
“As overburdened crematoria grapple with rising COVID deaths, we urge our environmental law enforcers to make it sure that relevant pollution prevention laws are strictly observed to protect the health of the living, especially downwind communities, from hazardous air pollutants,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition.
To this effect, the group urged the authorities to conduct random inspections of public and private crematories to check on their compliance to the requirements of the Clean Air Act and related regulations. A compliant cremation facility 1) has a valid permit to operate, 2) is a registered hazardous waste generator, 3) submits quarterly self-monitoring reports, 4) has an accredited pollution control officer, and 5) has adequate pollution prevention and control measures to ensure emissions are within “acceptable levels.”
The group cited a 2018 study on the “Emission Characteristics of Harmful Air Pollutants from Cremators in Beijing, China,” indicating that emissions from facilities directly discharging flue gas exceed standards. “The process of corpse cremation generates numerous harmful air pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals,” the report said, stressing that “these pollutants could have severe effects on the surrounding environment and human health.”
“Our society also has to look after the health and safety of our overburdened funeral service and crematorium workers, who are COVID-19 frontliners themselves. We hope they are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, are able to adequately rest, and are justly compensated,” said Dizon.
With some facilities reportedly jacking up their fees, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the authorities to monitor cremation and urn prices and provide subsidies for those in need.
The EcoWaste Coalition likewise affirmed its support to the recommendations made by the World Health Organization regarding “Infection Prevention and Control for the Safe Management of a Dead Body in the Context of COVID-19,” which, among other things, state that:
– “The safety and well-being of everyone who tends to bodies should be the first priority.”
– “The dignity of the dead, their cultural and religious traditions, and their families should be respected and protected throughout.”
– “Hasty disposal of a dead from COVID-19 should be avoided.”
