Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Medical Isotopes
CCMS: A member contacted us asking about medical isotopes resulting from an article on Global News "Cremation workers might be exposed to their clients’ radioactive cancer drugs".
We asked Ernie Hagel of McInnis & Holloway to provide us with his opinion on the matter. As far as metal implants he said there has never been an issue and the information that is below covers medical isotopes.
M&H: Although we have rarely encountered persons with implants or who have received medical isotopes we do always seek to work to accommodate a families wishes.
We have distributed the below information to all of our staff so that they are aware of the possibilities for families that have received medical isotopes and also the limitations.
The below link is to the Canadian nuclear safety commission on Radiation Protection Guidelines for Safe Handling of Decedents. You will see that in most cases within 2-6 months post treatment cremation is a possibility and at the longest 2 years but we are not aware of any treatment that would indefinitely prevent cremation. McInnis & Holloway has worked with the specialists in radioactive treatments in the past and with each situation being different we would look to the experts in this field for their approvals prior to making plans with a family.
https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/acts-and-regulations/regulatory-documents/published/html/regdoc2-7-3/index.cfm
M&H: Although we have rarely encountered persons with implants or who have received medical isotopes we do always seek to work to accommodate a families wishes.
We have distributed the below information to all of our staff so that they are aware of the possibilities for families that have received medical isotopes and also the limitations.
The below link is to the Canadian nuclear safety commission on Radiation Protection Guidelines for Safe Handling of Decedents. You will see that in most cases within 2-6 months post treatment cremation is a possibility and at the longest 2 years but we are not aware of any treatment that would indefinitely prevent cremation. McInnis & Holloway has worked with the specialists in radioactive treatments in the past and with each situation being different we would look to the experts in this field for their approvals prior to making plans with a family.
https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/acts-and-regulations/regulatory-documents/published/html/regdoc2-7-3/index.cfm
Can a person be denied cremation?
According to Bill Robertson from McInnis & Holloway, anyone can be cremated. If they have a hip replacement or metal screws then these will be removed from the cremated remains after cremation. Bill believes pace makers are taken out prior to cremation.
Although everyone is eligible for cremation if that is their wish, before a person can be cremated, the person must be identified and a legal document signed (usually by a family member) attesting to the identity of the person being cremated. The Funeral Director also must obtain sign off from the medical examiner before cremation can take place.
Although everyone is eligible for cremation if that is their wish, before a person can be cremated, the person must be identified and a legal document signed (usually by a family member) attesting to the identity of the person being cremated. The Funeral Director also must obtain sign off from the medical examiner before cremation can take place.
