What you should know about exploding caskets

From time-to-time the topic of exploding caskets pops up in the news. A recent article published in the Washington Post by Josh Slocum revisits the issue.  Indeed there is some science behind the phenomena and the industry is aware that under certain circumstances it is a possibility. As you read the article we recommend that you keep in mind that things may not always be as simple as they sound. With that in mind, we invite our funeral director readers to weigh in in the topic of sealer caskets.

Putting dead people in buildings was never smart engineering. Mausoleum burial began as the prerogative of the powerful, providing the perception of a dignified end to a life of esteem. The majesty of the Taj Mahal and the wonder of the Egyptian pyramids carried the idea into the 20th Century. Now heavily marketed to ordinary Americans as the cleaner and classier alternative to six feet under, community mausoleums – with their rows of concrete vaults — appeal to grieving relatives grossed out at the thought of bugs, water and worms mingling with their loved ones’ remains…

We should also note that Mr. Slocum is the executive director of the nonprofit watchdog organization Funeral Consumers Alliance.

Read the full article here: What you should know about exploding caskets

If you would like to learn more about the topic of exploding caskets we highly recommend that you take a few minutes to watch this YouTube video featuring popular mortician Caitlin Doughty. The video is part of orderofthegooddeath.com’s “Ask a Mortician” series. Caitlin was featured in a recent Digital Dying article by Justin Nobel. (Read Caitlin’s Interview)

Watch the video: Ask a Mortician- Exploding Caskets