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Interpretation Response #99-0242 ([Palmetto & Ellenton Funeral Homes and Crematory] [Mr. Alan Moore, LPD])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name: Palmetto & Ellenton Funeral Homes and Crematory

Individual Name: Mr. Alan Moore, LPD

Location State: FL Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

APR 4, 2000

 

Mr. Alan Moore, LPD                      Ref. No. 99-0242
Palmetto & Ellenton Funeral
    Homes and Crematory
204 Seventh Street West
Palmetto, Florida 34221 < /p>

Dear Mr. Palmetto:

This responds to your letter concerning the shipment of human remains that contain small amounts of formaldehyde. Specifically, you ask if such human remains are subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) when transported by aircraft.

You are correct that formaldehyde is a hazardous material. Under the HMR, formaldehyde solutions are classed as corrosive (Class 8) or flammable (Class 3) materials, depending on their concentration. However, the potential risk posed during transportation by the limited amounts of formaldehyde solution contained in human remains is so minimal that regulation is not warranted. Thus, human remains containing small amounts of formaldehyde are not subject to the requirements of the HMR.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

Sincerely,

 

Edward T. Mazzullo
Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

173.22

Regulation Sections