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August 3, 2001 <br /> To: Thomas Paschke <br /> Community Planning, City of Roseville <br /> From: Anne Jackson, P.E. <br /> Principal Engineer <br /> Minnesota Pollution Control Agency <br /> Phone: 65 1-296-7949 <br /> Subject: Request for Information Related to Crematory Air Emissions <br /> You have asked for information related to <br /> . . . scientific studies or evidence regarding emissions from crematories dealing <br /> with: <br /> a. Artificial hips, other artificial joints or prostheses, and cements, <br /> adhesives, and other materials used in those medical procedures. <br /> b Radioactive implants or devices used in the treatment of cancer or <br /> other diseases or dysfunctions. <br /> C. Scientific studies or evidence relating to the impact of crematoria <br /> emissions on nearby bodies of drinking water, water treatment plants, wetlands, <br /> lakes, crematory or cemetery employees, or adjacent residential areas. <br /> d Any other scientific studies or evidence bearing on public health <br /> effects of crematoria emissions." <br /> The City Council needs to determine the magnitude of the potential health risks <br /> from the proposed crematoria, particularly from mercury, nitrogen oxide, <br /> hydrogen chloride, dioxins, furans and radioactive waste. Where possible, please <br /> highlight the comparative risks of crematoria emissions in the context of <br /> emissions from other sources and the presence of elements and compounds found <br /> in crematoria emissions compared to the presence of these elements and <br /> compounds naturally in the environment or accruing as a by-product of process <br /> other than cremation. <br /> I will address your questions in the order above. <br /> Comnosition of Artificial Joints <br /> I spoke with Dave Senjem, Environmental Safety Office at the Mayo Clinic about the <br /> composition of artificial joints and the cement used. Mr. Senj em reports that joints are <br /> mostly titanium metal. There is some very-high density plastic, its type he did not know. <br /> Methyl methacrolate is used as the cement. I am attempting to contact someone at 3M in <br /> their medical products division about materials construction. I may have more to report <br /> on this aspect shortly. <br />