Decomposition is a natural part of life — and death — but it’s rarely talked about openly. Understandably, most people don’t want to think about what happens to the human body after death. Yet, for professionals in the biohazard cleanup industry, understanding decomposition is crucial for safety, sanitation, and compassion.
As a professional trauma and biohazard cleanup company, we’ve responded to countless scenes involving unattended deaths, suicides, and other tragic events where decomposition has occurred. It’s a difficult subject, but education is powerful — especially for families dealing with loss, landlords, property managers, and first responders who may find themselves in these environments.
In this blog, we’ll reveal the top 5 things most people don’t know about decomposition — and why they matter more than you might think.
1. Decomposition Starts Shockingly Fast
Most people assume that decomposition takes days or even weeks to begin. In reality, the process starts within minutes after death. The human body is composed of living cells that require oxygen to survive. As soon as the heart stops beating and circulation ceases, cells begin to die rapidly.
The stages begin almost immediately:
- Autolysis (Self-digestion): Within minutes to hours, enzymes within the cells start to break down cell walls.
- Bloating and putrefaction: Within 24–72 hours, bacteria begin breaking down tissues, producing gases and foul odors.
- Active decay: After a few days, tissues liquefy, and insects (if present) accelerate the breakdown process.
- Advanced decay and skeletonization: Over the following weeks or months, soft tissues are consumed, leaving skeletal remains.
Temperature, humidity, environment, body size, and cause of death all affect the speed of decomposition. In hot or humid environments, the process can be drastically accelerated — leading to a hazardous and distressing scene in as little as 24 hours.
2. The Odor Is Unforgettable — and Lingers
The smell of decomposition is something no one forgets. Many people are shocked at how strong, invasive, and long-lasting the odor of a decomposing body can be. It’s often described as a combination of rotten meat, ammonia, and something “chemical” or “indescribably foul.”
What causes the smell?
Decomposition releases over 400 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including:
- Cadaverine and putrescine – organic compounds that cause the distinctive “rotting flesh” smell.
- Sulfur-containing gases – produce a strong, rotten egg odor.
- Methane and ammonia – sharp and irritating to the nose and eyes.
These gases penetrate porous materials like wood, drywall, carpet, and fabrics. Even after a body is removed, the odor can linger for weeks or months without professional remediation.
Standard air fresheners, bleach, or basic cleaning agents are ineffective against decomposition odors. Deodorization requires industrial-grade equipment, such as:
- Ozone generators
- Hydroxyl machines
- Thermal foggers
- Enzyme-based odor neutralizers
3. Decomposition Is a Serious Biohazard
One of the most misunderstood aspects of decomposition is the risk it poses to health and safety. Bodily fluids — such as blood, feces, and decomposition liquids — often contain pathogens including:
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV
- MRSA
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- Bacteria from the gut or skin
When the body decomposes, fluids can seep into flooring, subflooring, walls, and other building materials. These fluids can carry dangerous bacteria and infectious materials that pose risks even after the body has been removed.
Because of this, DIY cleanup is never recommended. Proper biohazard cleanup requires:
- Full personal protective equipment (PPE)
- OSHA-compliant handling and disposal
- Hospital-grade disinfectants
- Specialized decontamination techniques
Professional cleanup teams are trained to restore the property safely and completely, protecting both current occupants and future ones.
4. The Damage Is Often Hidden
Decomposition isn’t always visible — and that’s part of the danger. Fluids may travel through cracks, under baseboards, or into subfloors without leaving obvious signs.
In many cases, we’ve uncovered extensive damage beneath carpet or laminate flooring that looked clean at a glance. Sometimes, decomposition fluids even leak into ceilings or walls of lower floors in multi-story buildings.
This hidden damage can lead to:
- Structural weakening (especially if wood is involved)
- Mold growth
- Ongoing odor issues
- Health hazards for residents or workers
Thorough cleanup requires removal of contaminated materials (like flooring, drywall, and insulation) and often includes coordinating with contractors for minor demolition and repair.
5. Insurance Often Covers the Cleanup
Here’s a surprise for many property owners: Homeowners insurance often covers the cost of biohazard cleanup, including decomposition.
Whether it’s a tenant who passed away in a rental property, a loved one in a private home, or a deceased person in a commercial space, insurance policies often categorize decomposition cleanup as part of property damage or hazardous cleanup.
This means cleanup costs — which can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars — may not have to be out of pocket.
As a professional cleanup company, we regularly assist clients with:
- Documenting the scene
- Working directly with insurance adjusters
- Providing detailed invoices and remediation reports
- Helping ensure claims are approved quickly
We understand that dealing with insurance in the midst of tragedy is overwhelming — and we’re here to handle that burden so you can focus on healing.
Why Understanding Decomposition Matters
Decomposition is a difficult, uncomfortable topic — but knowledge is power. Whether you’re a property manager, family member, first responder, or simply someone who wants to be informed, understanding the realities of decomposition helps you:
- Respond appropriately in an emergency
- Protect yourself and others from health risks
- Avoid legal or financial pitfalls from improper cleanup
- Make informed decisions during a traumatic event
Most importantly, it helps ensure that the dignity of the deceased is preserved and the emotional trauma of surviving loved ones is minimized.
How We Help
At our company, we specialize in trauma, death, and biohazard cleanup — including decomposition scenes. Our technicians are trained, certified, and equipped to respond quickly, discreetly, and compassionately.
When you call us, we bring:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Full biohazard remediation and odor removal
- Coordination with insurance and authorities
- Respectful, discreet service
Dealing with a death — especially an unattended one — is never easy. But you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to help you through the most difficult times with professionalism, care, and integrity.
Final Thoughts
Decomposition is one of life’s most difficult realities, but it doesn’t have to become a long-term problem. With the right knowledge and the right cleanup partner, even the most distressing situations can be handled safely and respectfully.
If you or someone you know is facing a situation involving decomposition or biohazard cleanup, don’t hesitate to contact a professional team. The risks are too high — and the need for compassion too great — to trust the job to anyone else.
Need Help?
We’re available 24/7 to respond to biohazard and decomposition cleanup emergencies. Our team is discreet, respectful, and trained to handle every aspect of the job, from decontamination to insurance coordination.
Let us take care of the cleanup — so you can focus on what matters most.
