Public Health Perspective Green Burials Dr. Nate Horwitz-Willis, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

public health perspective green burials
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Public Health Perspective Green Burials Dr. Nate Horwitz-Willis, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Public Health Perspective Green Burials Dr. Nate Horwitz-Willis, DrPH, MPH, MPA Public Health Director Burials and Public Health Brief History Embalming Appearance during mourning Became popular during Civil War to preserve soldiers


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Public Health Perspective Green Burials

  • Dr. Nate Horwitz-Willis, DrPH, MPH, MPA

Public Health Director

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Burials and Public Health Brief History

  • Embalming
  • Appearance during mourning
  • Became popular during Civil War to preserve soldiers on long train rides
  • There is not a state that regulates and enforces embalming
  • Assists as a precau;onary infec;on control measure when handling bodies
  • Burials in Plymouth
  • Public Health Department serves as Burial Agent
  • Issue burial permits
  • Concerned with mortality in the Town
  • Board of Health regula;ons currently adhere to state regula;ons
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Burials and Public Health

  • Prepara;on of the body linked with infec;ous disease
  • One must be careful with bodily fluids
  • No other apparent disease threats
  • Embalming may impaired health
  • Carcinogen - Formaldehyde
  • Bodies decompose and pathogens pose no risk at < 14 days
  • Public percep;on and myths do not help
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Burials and Public Health

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Burials and Public Health

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Burials and Public Health

  • Chemicals & lots of non-eco friendly materials
  • Environmental impact of burial
  • Environmental impact through prepara;on
  • Natural, social, & built environment: exis;ng

cemetery infrastructure

  • Must consider land use and available space
  • Could be a source of Zombies – Just kidding!
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Green Burials and Public Health

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Green Burials and Public Health

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Green Burials and Public Health

  • Natural
  • Environmental impact of burial is

minimal to none

  • Environmental impact through

prepara;on is minimal to none

  • Decomposi;on is quicker; be mindful
  • f bodily fluids
  • Natural, social, & built environment:

exis;ng cemetery infrastructure

  • Integra;ng landscapes of death

into community life for improved

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Next Steps

  • Town Cemetery Superintendent
  • Board of Health regulatory requirements for green burials
  • Public Health Department enforcement
  • Educate the public
  • Incrementally change percep;on about disease risk
  • Understand the current science and use common sense
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Discussion of Questions