Environmental and Health Concerns of Modern U.S. Burial Practices
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Environmental and Health Concerns of Modern U.S. Burial Practices

Modern U.S. burial practices, though steeped in cultural and religious traditions, carry a significant environmental burden. Traditional in-ground burials often involve embalming, the use of non-biodegradable caskets, and the allocation of vast tracts of land for cemeteries, all of which raise serious environmental concerns. Embalming fluid, which commonly contains formaldehyde, presents a particularly troubling issue. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and its seepage into the soil from buried bodies can contaminate groundwater, posing long-term public health risks.

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A Brief History of US Burial Practices
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A Brief History of US Burial Practices

The development of rural cemeteries, while innovative, did not fully address the public health concerns that emerged as cities grew. Overcrowded cemeteries, particularly in urban areas, sparked fears of water contamination and the spread of disease, as decomposing bodies were suspected of contributing to these risks...

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