Forget cremation, 'body dissolving' the new way to go

A funeral home in Florida has introduced what it claims is a non-toxic alternative to cremation by installing a "body liquefaction unit", the BBC has reported.

The machine reportedly dissolves human remains in a heated alkaline solution and also allows for the complete separation of dental amalgam for safe disposal.

The technology has been developed by the Glasgow-based Resomation Ltd and has been legalised by the Florida legislature.

It has got the legal go-ahead in only seven US states and is expected to be used for the first time in a few weeks, BBC reports.

BBC’s science reporter Neil Bowdler has also explained how the chamber works.

“The system works by submerging the body in a solution of water and potassium hydroxide which is pressurised to 10 atmospheres and heated to 180C for between two-and-a-half and three hours,” he writes.

“Body tissue is dissolved and the liquid poured into the municipal water system. The bones are then removed from the unit and processed in a "cremulator". Metals including mercury and artificial joints and implants are safely recovered”.

Many people have reportedly signed up for the process and a number of bodies are being held in cold storage because, prior to their deaths, they agreed to undergo the process.

It was not the first time the technology is being used for disposing human bodies.

A similar machine developed by Aquamation Industries was used in Australia last year and another company used it in Ohio early this year.

The one in Ohio, however, was shut for not being in accordance with state law.