Understanding the Process of Human Decomposition: What Happens to a Body After Death

When a person passes away, their body begins a natural process known as decomposition. This biological breakdown is a complex and inevitable part of life, driven by chemical, microbial, and environmental factors. Understanding what happens to a body as it decomposes can help explain why professional biohazard cleanup is often necessary, especially in cases of unattended death.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the five stages of decomposition and how each impacts both the body and the surrounding environment.

1. Fresh Stage (0–24 Hours After Death)
Immediately after death, the body enters the fresh stage, during which internal biological processes stop, and the body starts cooling. Here’s what happens:

• Livor Mortis: The blood begins to settle in the lower parts of the body, causing visible discoloration of the skin, usually purplish-red marks.
• Rigor Mortis: Stiffening of the muscles sets in within 2-6 hours after death, beginning with smaller muscles (face, jaw) and spreading throughout the body.
• Algor Mortis: The body starts to cool down (depending on ambient temperature) at a rate of about 1.5°F per hour until it reaches the surrounding environment’s temperature.

Though no visible decomposition is yet occurring, bacterial activity inside the body is already beginning as cells break down.

2. Bloat Stage (2–5 Days After Death)
The bloat stage is marked by the accumulation of gases produced by the body's bacteria as it begins to decompose. Some key processes include:

• Putrefaction: This is the process where bacteria break down the body's tissues, producing gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. These gases cause the body to bloat, particularly in the abdomen.
• Discoloration: The skin may turn greenish due to the breakdown of hemoglobin in the blood, and further skin marbling (vein-like patterns) may occur as bacteria spread.
• Odor: As gases build up, a strong, unpleasant odor begins to emerge, which is one of the first noticeable signs of decomposition. This odor can be especially strong in warm, humid climates like those found in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama.

3. Active Decay Stage (5–10 Days After Death)
During the active decay stage, the body’s tissues begin to liquefy, and the process of breakdown accelerates:

• Fluid Release: Bodily fluids, rich in nutrients for bacteria, start to seep out from the body, often staining and saturating the surrounding environment (flooring, furniture, etc.).
• Maggot Activity: Flies, particularly blowflies, are attracted to the decomposing body. They lay eggs in exposed areas (such as the nose, mouth, and open wounds), and these eggs hatch into larvae (maggots), which feed on soft tissues.
• Odor Intensification: The smell of decay reaches its peak during this phase as gases and fluids are actively released.

4. Advanced Decay Stage (10–20 Days After Death)
The advanced decay stage is characterized by a reduction in body mass due to the consumption of tissue by bacteria, insects, and other organisms:

• Skeletonization: By this stage, much of the body’s soft tissue has been broken down or consumed. Only bones, cartilage, and tougher tissues like tendons remain.
• Reduced Odor: As the body mass decreases, the strong odor of decomposition also starts to subside. However, by this time, the environment (including flooring, walls, and fabrics) may be heavily saturated with fluids and odor.

Decomposition will slow as there is less organic matter available to break down, but the damage to the surrounding environment can be extensive by this point.

5. Dry/Remains Stage (20+ Days After Death)
In the final dry remains stage, all soft tissues have decomposed, leaving behind bones and any non-decomposed materials like teeth, hair, and nails.

• Skeletonization Complete: The body has now been reduced to skeletal remains, with little to no odor remaining.
• Environmental Impact: At this stage, the most significant hazards come from the fluids and chemicals that have been released during earlier stages of decay, which can lead to biohazard risks in the surrounding area.

The Importance of Professional Cleanup
Decomposition creates significant biohazard risks due to the release of bacteria, pathogens, and strong odors. Without proper sanitation, the area can remain hazardous to anyone entering the space. Professional biohazard cleanup services, like those provided by Compassion BioClean, are critical to ensuring that all contaminated materials are safely removed and the area is fully disinfected.

During decomposition, bodily fluids can seep into flooring, furniture, and walls, making cleanup not just a surface-level task but one that requires deep sanitization and the removal of affected materials. A professional cleanup team uses specialized equipment, such as ozone machines and industrial-grade cleaners, to eliminate bacteria, neutralize odors, and restore the area to a safe condition.

Final Thoughts
Decomposition is a natural process, but it can be distressing and hazardous for those who encounter it. If you’re dealing with the death of a loved one—especially in cases of an unattended death—reach out to a professional biohazard cleanup company to handle the situation with care, discretion, and thorough expertise.

At Compassion BioClean, we are here to help. We offer compassionate, professional biohazard cleanup services throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties, ensuring your home or property is restored to safety after an unfortunate death.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us today. We’re available 24/7 to support you through this difficult time.