Which device is considered a risk to both equipment integrity and operator safety in cremation practices?

The pacemaker is considered a risk to both equipment integrity and operator safety in cremation practices due to its metal components and battery. When cremating a body that contains a pacemaker, the heat generated in the cremation process can cause the device to explode. This explosion can lead to potential damage to the cremation chamber and pose serious safety risks to the operators who are managing the cremation.

In contrast, while heart rate monitors, artificial limbs, and metal joint replacements may have metal components, they do not typically pose the same level of risk. Heart rate monitors are generally not present within the body during cremation and are often removed before the procedure. Artificial limbs and metal joint replacements can usually withstand the cremation process without causing explosions, although they may produce residual metal waste. Thus, the pacemaker distinctly stands out as a significant hazard in cremation practices due to the unique risks it presents.