What "Cargo 200" Is and Its Connection to Zinc Coffins
The term "Cargo 200" originated during military conflicts and refers to the transportation of deceased soldiers' bodies. The number 200 symbolizes the average weight of a metal container with the remains of an adult. This is why a zinc container became the standard for long-distance body transportation. Today, the term is widely used to refer to both military and civilian transportation of the deceased.
Features of Transporting Deceased Bodies
The transport of remains is only allowed in zinc coffins according to strict sanitary regulations. The airtight container must be sealed with tin or silicone to prevent the spread of infections and odors. For additional protection, the coffin is placed inside a wooden box filled with sawdust. When crossing borders, the use of a zinc container is a mandatory requirement.
Reasons for Using Zinc Specifically
The choice of zinc is due to its unique properties: the metal prevents body decomposition and has strong antiseptic characteristics. Zinc is resistant to corrosion, making it an optimal solution for long-distance transportation of the deceased. Modern manufacturers also frequently use galvanized steel, which offers similar benefits and ensures the necessary airtightness of the container.
Types and Features of Zinc Coffins
Main Varieties:
Containers for wooden coffins – used for exhumation and further transportation.
Zinc coffins with interior finishing – intended for closed burials.
Wooden coffins with a zinc insert – chosen for aesthetic reasons for burial in the home region.
Rental zinc containers – used for cross-border transportation.
Each type of zinc container is suited for specific situations, allowing families to choose the most appropriate option for transporting the deceased.
When Burial in a Zinc Coffin Is Mandatory
There are strict regulations requiring burial in a zinc container in certain cases. These include deaths in military conflicts, aviation or railway disasters, and cases involving infectious diseases or high radiation exposure. In the latter case, the body is placed in double containers with enhanced isolation to prevent contamination of the surroundings.
Sealing Containers: Tin or Silicone?
For long-distance or air transportation, containers are sealed with tin to ensure complete airtightness. For short-distance transport, silicone is used as it is easier to apply. Each method has its advantages, and the choice depends on the specific conditions of the transportation.
Is It Possible to Open Zinc Coffins?
Opening a zinc coffin is only allowed with special permission from investigative authorities, for example, for medical or forensic examination. Most often, identification is carried out through a viewing window built into the coffin's design or using DNA analysis to avoid compromising the container's seal.
Conclusion: Why Zinc Coffins Are Necessary
The use of a zinc coffin is a mandatory sanitary standard for transporting the deceased over long distances or across national borders. The reasons for choosing this material are its antiseptic and protective properties, which help prevent the spread of infections and odors. Strict adherence to established rules and standards is essential for public safety and to honor the memory of the deceased with dignity.
Founder of Necro Lux – International Funeral Bureau
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