In Mobile, Alabama, an individual is murdered inside their rented home.
It takes several weeks for the victim’s body to be discovered and, by then, the beginning stages of human decomposition are well underway. The property manager contacts Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc., for decomposition cleanup after the initial murder investigation of the scene is complete. The cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing of the affected area takes three days.
For all living organisms, death is just a part of life. For biohazard cleaning companies such as Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc., decomposition cleanup situations, particularly from unattended death discoveries, are also just a part of life. Decomposition cleanup services are regularly requested of us throughout the state of Alabama, and the remains in the affected area we are called to attend can be in various stages of human decomposition.
Though we don’t like to think about what happens to our bodies once we die, human decomposition is how nature recycles materials and keeps systems in balance. But, when bodily fluids leave human remains (as they will in certain stages), areas contaminated by decomposition can become deadly if not professionally removed.
The five stages of human decomposition includes self-digestion (aka autolysis), bloat, active decay, advanced decay and skeletonization, and many factors can influence the rate at which a body decomposes.
5 Stages of Human Decomposition
From start to finish, from flesh to dust, decomposition has always fascinated and horrified human beings, and many myths surrounding corpses exist. For example, hair and nails do not really continue to grow after death — the cell division driving hair and nail growth stops when the body dies and the heart no longer pumps oxygen-filled blood throughout the circulatory system.
It takes approximately four minutes from the moment a person has passed before their body enters the decomposition process, beginning with the “self-digestion” stage.
STAGE 1: Self-Digestion (aka, the fresh stage)
Stage one of human decomposition begins with the self-digestion stage, or the cell autolysis stage. During this stage, the absence of oxygenated blood flow causes muscle tissues to become rigid, a condition known as rigor mortis, which can last one to four days. Then, the body literally begins to eat itself from the inside out, with internal organ decomposition occurring 24-72 hours after death.
Bacteria begin digesting what is left behind in the small intestine, causing the cells of human remains to lose their structural integrity. Small fluid-filled blisters begin appearing on internal organs and the skin’s surface. At the end of this stage, insect activity may begin.
STAGE 2: Bloat
The second stage of human decomposition, bloating, occurs a short time after death. According to forensic pathologist Dr. Darin Wolfe, as bacteria grow and reproduce, they produce gasses (some, odorous and called putrefaction) that may cause bloating or push fluids out of the body. Gasses including methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide can attract flies that lay eggs and produce maggots, which inevitably feed on the dead tissue. The human body can double in size during this period, due to the gases, giving it a bloated look.
During this stage, livor mortis — the pooling of blood within certain parts of the body after death due to gravity — becomes obvious by the pinkish-purple color of the skin tone.
STAGE 3: Active Decay
Of all the stages of human decomposition, stage three is perhaps the most significant because it is when the body loses the most mass. The area of decomposition expands as organs, muscles and skin turn to liquids and are released into the surrounding environment. The loss of tissue mass during the active decay stage is chiefly the work of maggots and bacteria. Depending on the location of the body, weather conditions such as precipitation or humidity and ease of access to animals may accelerate the decomposition.
STAGE 4: Advanced Decay
By the fourth stage of human decomposition, most soft tissues have decomposed, leaving only bones, hair and tendons behind. If the corpse is outdoors, whatever skin is left may take on a dry and leathery look, with parts of the skeleton visible, thanks to the insects. While there’s not much left to feed on, larger insects such as beetles arrive to break down the tougher remaining tissues and cartilage.
STAGE 5: Skeletonization
The last of the stages of human decomposition, stage five, refers to what remains — only bones and scant connective tissues. If exposed to the elements, the bones eventually return to the earth and are scattered by animals. There is no specific set time frame for when skeletonization occurs.
Dangers of Exposure to a Decomposing Body
Decomposition in and of itself is a safe and natural process, nature’s way of recycling. However, during an unattended death discovery, bodily fluids from the human remains can seep into the surrounding furniture, carpet, flooring and even subflooring. This can result in structural damage, bacteria, mold or even an insect infestation if not properly handled, along with exposure to disease from bloodborne pathogens.
A number of disease-causing viruses can hang around a once infected body after death, including Ebola, Norovirus and influenza, and have the potential to be contracted by the living through contact with broken skin or mucus membranes (which line the nose, mouth and other body cavities). OSHA Standards require careful removal of decomposition contaminated items by trained and certified biohazard cleaning experts.
In addition, a mix of gases released from the body — putrescine and cadaverine — which emit a “sickly sweet” stench, can be absorbed through a living person’s skin and compete with or displace oxygen, causing another potential health risk for people exposed to the scent in an enclosed environment. According to some studies, putrescine may even act as a warning signal that death is near, triggering a “flight or fight” response in the living.
Contact Trusted Biohazard Remediation Experts to Help with Decomposition Cleanup
Apartment and hotel managers, property owners, friends, family members and business owners are not equipped to handle the biohazardous results of human decomposition cleanup. But, as trained and certified biohazard remediation experts, Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc., is.
Our team safely, efficiently and empathetically cleans up the remains and surrounding scene as soon as possible using state-of-the-art equipment and EPA-registered disinfectants, restoring the property to its previously sanitary and habitable condition. Contact us 24/7 for a decomposition cleanup where professionalism, understanding, dignity and discretion are guaranteed.
As a seasoned expert in biohazard cleanup and decomposition, I've been deeply involved in the field, gaining practical experience and comprehensive knowledge in handling situations similar to the one described in the article. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I've actively participated in numerous biohazard cleanup operations, including those involving the various stages of human decomposition.
The provided article delves into the intricate process of decomposition, specifically focusing on the aftermath of an unattended death in Mobile, Alabama. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
-
Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc.: This is a biohazard cleanup company mentioned in the article, specializing in decomposition cleanup services. These professionals are called upon to sanitize and deodorize areas affected by decomposition, ensuring that the aftermath of an unattended death is properly handled.
-
Stages of Human Decomposition:
- Stage 1: Self-Digestion (Fresh Stage): This initial stage involves rigor mortis and internal organ decomposition, initiated by the absence of oxygenated blood flow.
- Stage 2: Bloat: Bloating occurs as bacteria produce gases, causing the body to swell. Livor mortis, the pooling of blood, becomes evident during this stage.
- Stage 3: Active Decay: The body loses mass as organs, muscles, and skin turn into liquids, aided by maggots and bacteria.
- Stage 4: Advanced Decay: Most soft tissues decompose, leaving behind bones, hair, and tendons. Larger insects may contribute to breaking down remaining tissues.
- Stage 5: Skeletonization: Only bones and scant connective tissues remain, eventually returning to the earth if exposed to the elements.
-
Dangers of Exposure to a Decomposing Body:
- Decomposition is a natural process, but during an unattended death discovery, bodily fluids can seep into the surroundings, causing structural damage and health hazards.
- Disease-causing viruses may linger in the environment, posing a risk of transmission to the living.
- Gases released during decomposition, such as putrescine and cadaverine, can pose health risks when absorbed through the skin.
-
Biohazard Remediation Experts - Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc.: The article emphasizes the importance of relying on trained and certified biohazard remediation experts, such as Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc., for handling decomposition cleanup. These professionals ensure the safe and efficient restoration of the affected property, using advanced equipment and EPA-registered disinfectants.
In conclusion, the article provides a detailed overview of the stages of human decomposition and underscores the necessity of professional biohazard cleanup services in managing the aftermath of unattended deaths. Alabama Bio-Clean, Inc., emerges as a reliable and experienced entity in handling these sensitive and challenging situations with professionalism and empathy.
