Cleaning Decomposition Stages
Human decomposition is a horrifying yet fascinating subject that crime scene cleaners have to think about everyday. Depending on a person’s stage of decomp, it can make the job more/less difficult. We’ll cover each stage of human decomposition and the difficulty of cleaning it all.
It is always recommended to have two cleaners on the scene at all times. It is necessary in order to have one person either acting as a cleaning technician, meaning they are supplying the actual cleaner with supplies to clean so that the cleaner is not contaminating anything additional by leaving the contaminated area. Also, when we are dealing with ozone generators and anything that alters the oxygen availability within the dwelling, for safety reasons it is very important to have a second person there.
Dangers of exposure to decomposition
Decomposition is dangerous due to toxic gases (hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia) and harmful microorganisms. Inhaling these gases can cause respiratory distress, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi from decomposing materials pose significant health risks, leading to infections and allergic reactions. Sharp objects and biohazardous materials increase the risk of physical injury. It is extremely important to contact professionals who are trained to handle these scenes.
*WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT AHEAD. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED*
Stage 1: Initial Decay
Stage 1 of human decomposition, which is also known as initial decay, begins almost immediately after a person dies. The body will drop to room temperature, it will go through rigor mortis - stiffening of the limbs due to chemical changes - and livor mortis, where all the blood will pool to one side of the body closest to the ground. Some bodily fluids will release after death as well.
Assuming the death was non-traumatic, we’d have to clean up any fluids left behind as well as get rid of the odor. Typically taking 2-6 man hours in total.
Stage 2: Bloating
Stage 2 of human decomposition, called bloating, happens around 3-5 days after death. Microorganisms residing in the digestive system begin to digest tissues of the body which creates gas that bloats the body. It also releases very foul smelling chemicals known as putrescine and cadaverine. Due to cells breaking down, the top layer of skin may loosen causing it to fall off. A dark, foul smelling liquid is produced called “purge liquid” due to the decomposition of the gastrointestinal tract which is forced out of the mouth and nose due to gas buildup.
There would be a much larger contaminated area due to additional fluids that would need to be cleaned and decontaminated. The odor would be the biggest obstacle for cleaning a scene like this. Odor treatment can take several hours and multiple treatments. An ozone generator would have to be brought in, all windows would be closed and all persons would be cleared from the dwelling due to the generator removing breathable air while it’s working. FDA registered chemicals specifically designed for decomposition odor would be used as well.
Cleaning and decontaminating can take up to 10 man hours depending on the flooring. If it’s a sealed floor, it should take 3-6 man hours. If it’s on carpet it will have to be removed along with the padding and most likely the subflooring underneath as well, taking 6-10 man hours. Getting rid of the odor completely can take several days and multiple treatments.
Stage 3: Active Decay
Stage 3 of human decomposition, known as active decay, is characterized by a rapid breakdown of bodily tissues and the release of noxious gases. Organs and muscles and skin begin to liquify which is released into the environment. This is the stage that attracts insects to the body. The size of these bugs can actually determine how long the body has been there.
This stage involves the most intense cleaning due to the extra contamination, created by the maggots and larva and flies. This can take several hours just to complete the cleaning and decomposition to ensure that you have rid the entire area of all flies, maggots and larva. It’s imperative that you track for additional small areas of contamination caused by flies landing on surfaces while covered in biohazard. It can take up to 14 man hours to complete this, combined with the cleaning of the decomposition. And then, of course, there is most likely several days of odor remediation involved as well.
Stage 4: Advanced Decay
Stage 4 is when most soft tissues have decayed, leaving only hair, bones, and tendons behind. Any skin that is left over will be dry and have a leathery look, and parts of the skeleton will be visible. Larger insects would feed on tougher tissue and cartilage.
The area of contamination would be a lot larger in this with hair and skin being spread out in a larger area, though it has most likely dried by now. The time to clean would be about 14-16 man hours in total.
This is why a friend or family member should never try to clean a scene like this. It’s very dangerous, very meticulous and the risk of leaving dangerous biohazard material behind is far too great. These scenes should always be cleaned by professionals.
