T H E S TA G E S O F H U M A N

DECOMPOSITION
Human decomposition is a natural process involving the breakdown of tissues after
death. While the rate of human decomposition varies due to several factors,
including weather, temperature, moisture, pH and oxygen levels, cause of death, and
body position, all human bodies follow the same four stages of human
decomposition.

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WHAT ARE THE FOUR STAGES OF HUMAN

DECOMPOSITION?
According to Dr. Arpad A. Vass, a Senior Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National
Laboratory and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee in
Forensic Anthropology, human decomposition begins around four minutes after
a person dies and follows four stages: autolysis, bloat, active decay, and
skeletonization.

Stage One: Autolysis

The first stage of human decomposition is called autolysis, or self-digestion, and

begins immediately after death. As soon as blood circulation and respiration stop,
the body has no way of getting oxygen or removing wastes. Excess carbon dioxide
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causes an acidic environment, causing membranes in cells to rupture. The
membranes release enzymes that begin eating the cells from the inside out.

Rigor mortis causes muscle stiffening. Small blisters filled with nutrient-rich fluid
begin appearing on internal organs and the skin’s surface. The body will appear to
have a sheen due to ruptured blisters, and the skin’s top layer will begin to loosen.

Stage Two: Bloat 

Stage two of human decomposition consists of bloating to the body. Leaked

enzymes from the first stage begin producing many gases. Due to the gases, the
human body can double in size, giving it that bloated look.The sulfur-containing
compounds that the bacteria release also cause skin discoloration. In addition, insect
activity can be present.

The microorganisms and bacteria produce extremely unpleasant odors called

putrefaction. These odors often alert others that a person has died, and can linger
long after a body has been removed.

Stage Three: Active Decay

Fluids released through orifices indicate the beginning of active decay. Organs,
muscles, and skin become liquefied. When all of the body’s soft tissue decomposes,
hair, bones, cartilage, and other byproducts of decay remain. The cadaver loses the
most mass during this stage.

Stage Four: Skeletonization

Because the skeleton has a decomposition rate based on the loss of organic
(collagen) and inorganic components, there is no set timeframe when skeletonization
occurs.

BODY DECOMPOSITION TIMELINE
24-72 hours after death — the internal organs decompose.

3-5 days after death — the body starts to bloat and blood-containing foam leaks
from the mouth and nose.

8-10 days after death — the body turns from green to red as the blood
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decomposes and the organs in the abdomen accumulate gas.

Several weeks after death — nails and teeth fall out.

1 month after death — the body starts to liquify.

HOW CAN THE STAGES OF HUMAN

DECOMPOSITION AFFECT THE SITE OF AN
UNATTENDED OR TRAUMATIC DEATH?
An unattended death, and the accompanying bacteria, mold, and insect infestation,
can cause damage to a building’s structure and personal belongings. After a body is
properly removed, a professional trauma and crime scene cleanup company should
always be called to clean and disinfect the site. And while an unattended death could
lead to exposure to dangerous bloodborne pathogens, decomposition itself is a
perfectly natural process.

Aftermath takes great care to ensure our sympathetic, compassionate, and

discreet teams clean the death site as soon as possible so families can begin
the healing process. Contact us 24/7 online or at (877) 907-0751 for further
information.

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Sources:
Compound Interest:
http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/10/30/decompositionodour/
EnkiVillage: http://www.enkivillage.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-a-body-to-
decompose.html#affix-section-1

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and coronavirus cleanup services to families, employers, and communities. We are
dedicated to providing emergency rapid response 24/7/365, so we’ll be there
whenever and wherever you need us. When you find yourself asking “What now?”…
call Aftermath.
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