North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

What is the term used for the process that reduces cremated human remains to unidentifiable dimensions?

1. Destruction

2. Granulation

3. Ashing

4. Pulverization

The correct answer is: Pulverization

The process that reduces cremated human remains to unidentifiable dimensions is known as pulverization. This term specifically refers to the mechanical process applied after cremation, where the remaining bone fragments undergo further treatment to ensure they are reduced to a fine consistency that is indistinguishable and suitable for placement in an urn or scattering. This is important for both legal and emotional reasons, as families may request this level of processing to ensure that they do not have identifiable remnants of their loved ones. Granulation and ashing, while related to the cremation process, do not accurately describe the final step of making the remains unidentifiable. Destruction is a broader term that refers to the act of causing something to cease to exist but does not specifically refer to the careful, methodical process of refining cremated remains to a fine powder. Therefore, pulverization is the precise term that captures the essence of this final procedure in handling cremated remains.