Weymouth Crematorium could be fitted with equipment to reduce the levels of harmful gases being released.

Local councillor Ryan Hope has raised the issue after discovering that burning a typical modern coffin creates the same amount of NOx gas as 3,650 cars driving past the building during the course of a cremation ceremony.

It comes after the Echo revealed Weymouth Crematorium’s deadly secret. The site is among those to have not installed deNOx technology to tackle toxic emissions as there is no legal requirement to do so.

In 2018 around 1,355 cremations were carried out at the facility at Westham, which is surrounded by hundreds of homes, two schools, playparks and some businesses.

Said Cllr Hope in a question to the February Dorset Council meeting: “The crematorium is in a very built up area and is close to four schools, three being primary schools, and Budmouth Academy… Around 95 per cent of coffins used in cremations are made from chipboard/MDF and funerals using these types of coffins produce the same amount of NOx gas as a car driving 2,280 miles or 3,650 cars driving past the crematorium during the course of a cremation.

“People exposed to nitrogen oxides over a long period may experience respiratory issues and reduced lung function that can limit an active lifestyle. As well as the health implication this council declared a climate emergency July 2019 and NOx is a greenhouse gas.”

He asked the council what plans it has to install NOx filters and whether bereaved families are offered choices to make more environmentally friendly choices when saying goodbye to a loved one.

Cabinet brief holder Cllr Tony Alford said that while the crematorium operates within Government permitted levels for emissions, nitrogen oxides are not currently included in the emission requirements.

“There are very few crematoria that have emission controls for nitrogen oxides and these tend to be new facilities where the abatement plant is installed as part of the build. However, the council is in discussion with manufacturers to assess the feasibility of retro-fitting at Weymouth Crematorium and the likely cost

“I will ensure that the outcome of this work is reported to council.

“Bereaved families make arrangements for their loved ones through funeral directors and the council has less influence here. However, there is a growing trend for more environmentally friendly funerals and we will continue to liaise with funeral directors on this issue” said Cllr Alford.