What are the environmental impacts of traditional burial?

• A. Reduces land use
• B. Contributes to land use, use of non-biodegradable materials, and potential soil and water contamination from embalming fluids
• C. No environmental impact
• D. Increases soil permeability to prevent contamination

Answer: (B)

Traditional burial affects the environment through three main channels: the land area occupied by cemeteries, the materials used in caskets and vaults that may not biodegrade, and the embalming fluids that can introduce chemicals into soil and groundwater. A cemetery is a long-term land use that remains active for many decades, and the production of caskets, vaults, and related hardware involves resources like wood, metal, concrete, and energy. Many embalming fluids contain formaldehyde and other chemicals, which can leach into surrounding soil or water if graves are disturbed or if drainage allows leachate to move through the site. All of these factors together explain why traditional burial has environmental impacts.