Randy Chandler
The human body begins to decompose immediately after death, and the process can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the environment. Decomposition produces a complex mix of gases and compounds, including cadaverine, putrescine, and hydrogen sulfide, which contribute to a strong and distinct odour. As the body dries, it becomes less attractive to blowflies, flesh flies, and house flies, but cheese flies and coffin flies are abundant at this stage. The body then begins to smell cheesy due to butyric acid, which attracts a new suite of organisms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of the cheesy smell | Butyric acid |
| Stage of decomposition | The body is covered with mould and is no longer suitable for maggots, attracting cheese flies instead |
| Other insects present | Beetles, wasps, and their larvae |
| Other factors affecting the smell | Temperature, humidity, and time |
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What You'll Learn
Decomposition of a corpse is a continual process
As the corpse dries, it transitions from a semi-liquid state to a fully desiccated state. This change attracts different types of insects and organisms at each stage. Initially, blowflies, flesh flies, and house flies are drawn to the semi-liquid environment. As the body dries further, cheese flies and coffin flies become prevalent. Eventually, the corpse becomes too dry for maggots, and beetles, such as hide beetles, ham beetles, and carcass beetles, take over, feeding on the remaining dry flesh, skin, and ligaments.
The decomposition process starts immediately after death when bacteria begin to digest the body's organs, particularly the pancreas and intestines. These bacteria emit gases that contribute to the distinct odor associated with decomposition. The gases emitted by the bacteria, along with the enzymes breaking down cell walls, create a putrid smell that can permeate deeply into the surroundings, including carpets, furniture, walls, and flooring. Standard cleaning methods are often ineffective in removing these persistent odors.
The progression of decomposition can be influenced by factors such as temperature and humidity, which impact the intensity of the smell. The presence of certain insects and organisms also plays a role in the process. For example, the cheese fly, which is attracted to decaying flesh, consumes any remaining moist flesh during the later stages of decomposition. Additionally, predators and parasitoids, such as wasps, play a role in the decomposition process by laying their eggs inside fly larvae and pupae.
The study of decomposition is crucial in understanding the natural processes that occur after death. By examining the stages of decomposition and the organisms involved, scientists can gain insights into the continual breakdown of a corpse over time. This knowledge is valuable in various fields, including forensic science, ecology, and our understanding of the natural cycle of life and death.
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Bacteria breaks down tissues and cells
Decomposition of a corpse is a continuous process that can take from weeks to years, depending on the environment. The first stage of decomposition involves all the familiar signs of death: rigor mortis, which stiffens muscles as energy-starved proteins lock together, and lividity, which creates bruised colours on the skin as blood settles due to gravity. During this stage, bacteria in the gut start to proliferate unchecked. Gut bacteria, especially Clostridia, then spread through the organs and digest the body from the inside out in a process called putrefaction.
Bacteria break down tissues and cells, releasing fluids into body cavities. They often respire in the absence of oxygen (anaerobically) and produce various gases as by-products, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, cadaverine, and putrescine. People might find these gases foul-smelling, but they are very attractive to a variety of insects. The build-up of gas resulting from multiplying bacteria creates pressure within the body, which forces fluids out of cells and blood vessels and into the body cavity.
The young maggots move throughout the body, spreading bacteria, secreting digestive enzymes, and tearing tissues with their mouth hooks. They move as a maggot mass, benefiting from communal heat and shared digestive secretions. The rate of decay increases, and the smells and body fluids that emanate from the body attract more blowflies, flesh flies, beetles, and mites. The cheese fly, in particular, consumes any remaining moist flesh at this stage. Eventually, the corpse becomes too dry for the maggots to operate effectively, and hide beetles, ham beetles, and carcass beetles devour the dry flesh, skin, and ligaments.
The process of decomposition is driven by dehydration, which causes discoloration of the flesh and the onset and cessation of bacterially-induced bloat. During early decay, intrinsic bacteria begin to digest the intestines from the inside out, eventually digesting away the surrounding tissues. Enzymes from within the dead cells of the cadaver also begin to break down tissues (autolysis). Clostridium species are thought to progress decomposition by breaking down lipids and complex carbohydrates associated with human tissue. The lipases of Clostridium aid the hydrolysis of fat under warm and moist conditions, while hydrolytic enzymes convert carbohydrates to organic acids and alcohols.
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Gases are released by bacteria
Decomposition of a corpse is a continuous process that can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the environment. The process involves the breakdown of tissues and cells by bacteria, which release fluids and gases into the body cavities. These gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, cadaverine, and putrescine, are produced as by-products of bacterial metabolism and can build up inside the body, creating pressure. This pressure can cause the body to inflate and force fluids out of cells and blood vessels, further contributing to the decomposition process.
The bacteria responsible for decomposition are typically those that already live in the organs, particularly the pancreas and intestines. When a person dies, the blood stops flowing, and these bacteria run out of nutrients. As a result, they start to digest the body, breaking down tissues and cells. Once they have worked their way through the intestines or pancreas, they spread to the rest of the body.
The gases emitted by the bacteria during this process have a distinct and overwhelming odor, often described as indescribable and unforgettable by those who have encountered it. The smell can vary depending on the specific bacteria present and the environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. The decomposition process also attracts insects, such as blowflies, flesh flies, beetles, and mites, which further contribute to the breakdown of the body.
As the corpse continues to dry, it becomes more suitable for certain insects, such as cheese flies and coffin flies, which are abundant during this stage. Eventually, the corpse becomes too dry for maggots, and other insects with chewing mouthparts, such as hide beetles, ham beetles, and carcass beetles, take over, devouring the dry flesh, skin, and ligaments. The body's hair is consumed by moth larvae and mites, leaving only the bones to slowly disintegrate.
The process of bacterial decomposition and gas production can begin within a few days of death, and the gases released by the bacteria contribute significantly to the distinct odor associated with decaying corpses, often described as the smell of death itself.
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Beetles, moths and mites consume the body
Decomposition of a corpse is a continuous process that can take from weeks to years, depending on the environment. The process releases a complex mix of gases and compounds, such as cadaverine, putrescine, and hydrogen sulfide, which produce distinct odors.
As the body decomposes, it attracts different insects and organisms at various stages. Beetles, moths, and mites are among the dominant groups of organisms involved in decomposition. They feed on the body, contributing to its breakdown and the recycling of nutrients.
Beetles are often among the first insects to arrive at a corpse, soon after the body starts to putrefy. Species such as rove beetles, hister beetles, hide beetles, ham beetles, carrion beetles, and carcass beetles are attracted to the smell of decay and feed on the flesh, skin, and ligaments of the corpse. They have chewing mouthparts that allow them to devour the dry remains effectively.
Moths, particularly Tineid moths, are also involved in the decomposition process. They feed on the hair of the corpse, which is often one of the last remaining parts of the body. Moth larvae, along with mites, consume the hair, leaving only the bones to slowly disintegrate.
Mites play a significant role in decomposition, with some species, like tyroglyphid mites, feeding on dry skin and others, like gamasid mites, preying on micro-organisms, such as bacteria, that are present on the body. Gamasid mites, like Macrocheles, are common in the early stages of decomposition, while tyroglyphid mites prefer the later stages when the skin has dried out.
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Decomposition odours carry harmful bacteria
The smell of body decomposition can be overwhelming, especially when a body has been left unattended for an extended period. The natural breakdown process releases a complex mix of gases and compounds, such as cadaverine, putrescine, and hydrogen sulfide, which produce distinct odours. Butyric acid, for example, is known to give off a cheesy smell.
Decomposition odours are not just unpleasant; they may carry harmful bacteria and contaminants that pose serious health risks if left untreated. The gases released during decomposition, such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, and sulfur, can be dangerous to human health. The presence of these harmful substances means that specialised cleanup is required to address the unique challenges of biohazard remediation.
The process of decomposition involves the breakdown of tissues and cells by bacteria, which release fluids into body cavities. This often occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobically) and produces various gases as by-products. The build-up of gas resulting from the intense activity of multiplying bacteria creates pressure within the body, causing it to inflate and force fluids out of cells and blood vessels into the body cavity. The young maggots that feed on the body during this stage also contribute to the spread of bacteria.
The odour of decomposition is so powerful that it can permeate deeply into carpets, furniture, walls, and flooring. Standard cleaning methods are rarely effective at fully removing these odours, and improper handling can worsen the situation. Professional cleanup services are equipped with advanced techniques and equipment to ensure the complete removal of decomposition odours and the sanitization of the environment. They employ ventilation and air purification, deep cleaning and disinfection, and odour absorption and encapsulation techniques to address the issue comprehensively.
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Frequently asked questions
A dead body can smell like cheese when it is in an advanced stage of decomposition. The cheesy smell is caused by butyric acid, which attracts corpse organisms like cheese flies and coffin flies.
Factors like temperature, humidity, and time can affect the intensity of the smell. The longer the body is left unattended, the more overwhelming the smell can become.
The smell of a dead body can carry harmful bacteria and contaminants that pose serious health risks if left untreated. Standard cleaning methods are usually ineffective at removing these odors and can sometimes worsen the situation.
