Expert: Walter Hintz - 12/16/2006

Question
Actually, I was thinking of the atoms that went up the chimney at the time of cremation, not the small amount of ashes remaining.
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Approximately how many years would it take the atoms from a cremated body to be thoroughly mixed throughout the atmosphere, oceans, etc?
-----Answer-----
Hi Ray
 This would certainly depend upon the disposition of the ashes.  If they were interred in a container and buried it could take thousands of years for the carbon to enter the atmosphere.  If dumped in the sea it would quickly mix in the water and probably be taken up in an organism.  If spread in the air it would probably be taken up in a life form also.  In short I can tell you what would happen to it but there are so many things that could happen to ashes that it is hard to give a time frame.

Answer
Again there are too may factors to suggest a time.  The smoke particles would most likely settle to earth and not get into the atmosphere at all.  If they settled in water they could eventually  wind up in the ocean in a few weeks.

I read your feedback regarding breathing in  molecules. I have seen this regarding Napoleons dying breath.  This can b eproven mathematically.