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<br />August 3, 2001 <br /> <br />To: Thomas Paschke <br />Community Planning, City ofRoseville <br /> <br />From: Anne Jackson, P .E. <br />Principal Engineer <br />Minnesota Pollution Control Agency <br /> <br />/rMu~ <br /> <br />Phone: 651-296-7949 <br /> <br />Subject: Request for Information Related to Crematory Air Emissions <br /> <br />You have asked for information related to <br /> <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 /> <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 /> <br />I will address your questions in the order above. <br /> <br />Composition 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. Senjem 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 /> <br />J)"- <br />~~ <br /> <br />1 <br />