ASSESSMENT OF HEAT EFFECTS ON BONE

• Jurisdiction: Australia

[35.630] The recovery and analysis of burnt remains is challenging due to the fragility of the bones and teeth. There may be additional complications such as co-mingling with other human and non-human bones. The effects of heat on bone vary with the time and intensity of the exposure and also with the presence or absence of flesh on the bones. With increasing heat and length of exposure, bones are first scorched, then charred, and finally calcined. Limbs tend to be burnt off a cremated body and the skull...