Human DNA has been recovered from a Neanderthal fossil 70,000 years old. That's a record, but there may be plenty of DNA recoverable from a human body 10, 50 or even 150 years after death.

A burial/cremation permit must be issued by the county health department. The funeral establishment usually arranges to obtain this permit as part of its services. A casket is not required for cremation by California law, but a combustible cremation container, also known as an alternative container, is.

The cremation process for humans takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. The body is placed in a retort, which is then heated to between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the body burns, and the bones turn to ash. After the body has been cremated, the ashes are placed in an urn and returned to the family.

We use the identification provided by the facility or place of death, often a photograph provided by the family, for visual identification along with a uniquely numbered metal identification disk which is assigned to your loved one once he/she enters our care.

The actual ashes are thus useless as they will not contain DNA. It is the bones and teeth that could potentially hold some DNA viable for analysis. However, after the cremation, the bones and teeth left behind are turned into a find powder (a process known as pulverization).

The actual ashes are thus useless as they will not contain DNA. It is the bones and teeth that could potentially hold some DNA viable for analysis. However, after the cremation, the bones and teeth left behind are turned into a find powder (a process known as pulverization).

I/We hereby authorize the Crematory to dispose of any such residual particles in any lawful manner it deems appropriate. I/WE HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE REMAINS THE DECEASED DO___ DO NOT ___CONTAIN ANY TYPE OF IMPLANTED MECHANICAL, NONMECHANICAL OR RADIOACTIVE DEVICES.