No need for more than one crematorium in Malta

If cremation were to be legalised in Malta, a single crematorium would suffice, according to Director of Environmental Health Clive Tonna.

Speaking as a guest during a Social Affairs Committee discussion on cremation Wednesday evening, Tonna said that given Malta’s death rate, one crematorium would be enough to serve the demand for cremations.

Tonna explained that on average there are around 3,400 deaths a year in Malta and Gozo. He also noted that some people already make use of cremation services in Sicily, after which the remains are brought back to Malta.

He also replied to questions regarding cremation in the light of DNA samples, saying that it is necessary to explore the possibility of having a facility where DNA samples taken prior to cremation can be stored for later use, such as in the case where paternity testing is needed.

Also speaking as a guest during the discussion, theologian Fr. Rene Camilleri explained that Roman Catholicism does not require the deceased to be presented in a coffin and cremation was, therefore, acceptable to the Church.

“It is more of a cultural thing, which takes time to be accepted, but the demand is growing in Malta,” he said.

Emissions resulting from the cremation process could be dangerous depending on various factors, according to Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci, the first guest speaker at the discussion.

These factors include temperature levels during cremation and aspects such as “whether the person, for example, had a hip replacement, the materials of which would burnt.”

“The right research must take place to examine such factors,” she said. be dangerous when