An unattended death is usually a death that no one witnesses or immediately knows about. The deceased individual’s remains might not be discovered for days, weeks or even months. Meanwhile, the body continues to decompose.

These lonely passings are most common among elderly people who live in solitude, especially if no one is regularly monitoring their welfare. More rarely, an unattended death is a case of suicide or homicide.

The importance of cleaning the site of an unattended death can’t be overstated.

Bloodborne pathogens, the microorganisms and bacteria often present in blood and other body fluids, are a serious threat to your health. They are also called biohazards. Examples include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Death cleaning, bioremediation, and crime scene cleanup are all terms for the process of cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing the location. Cleaning should take place as soon as possible after the body is removed.

Decomposition takes place in four distinct stages: autolysis, bloat, active decay and skeletonization. The process begins almost immediately after death.

Autolysis, the first stage, is self-digestion. When blood circulation and breathing cease, excess carbon dioxide builds up. This lowers pH levels and creates an acidic environment. Cell membranes rupture and release enzymes. As a result, cells are digested from the inside out.

Joints and muscles stiffen in rigor mortis. Tiny blisters filled with nutrient-rich fluids appear on the surface of internal organs and the skin. As they rupture, the skin takes on a sheen and starts to loosen.

Cold conditions slow the autolytic process while warm conditions speed it up.

In the second stage, bloat, the body nearly doubles in size. Anaerobic bacteria in the intestinal tract produce gases that bloat the internal organs. The body begins to smell, and the skin starts to discolor. Organs and skin eventually rupture from gas buildup, inviting insect activity.

The strong, extremely unpleasant odor associated with bloat usually alerts neighbors that someone has died. The smell may linger long after the remains have been removed.

Active decay is the third stage. Fluids are forced out through body openings as organs, muscles and skin liquefy. They eventually leak through soft tissue as active decay progresses.

It is in this stage that the body loses most of its mass until only bones, cartilage, and hair remain. Insect activity is rampant during this time.

Skeletonization is the fourth and final stage. The last vestiges of soft tissue decay or dry out enough to expose the skeleton. By the end of the process, microorganisms, flies and other insects have entirely eliminated soft tissue.

Since both organic and inorganic compounds are involved, the rate at which a cadaver reduces to a skeleton is wildly unpredictable.

The timeline for tissue breakdown depends on many factors. Weather conditions and temperature play a role. Cause of death, pH balance, and oxygen levels also affect the rate of decay. Even body position has bearing.

In general, though, the timeline for decomposition looks something like this:

• Internal organs start to decompose two or three days after death.
• The body begins to bloat three to five days after death. Abdominal organs swell with the accumulation of gases. The cadaver turns from green to red during this time.
• Eight to 10 days after death, blood decomposes.
• Several weeks after death, nails and teeth fall out, and the body starts to liquefy.

Each scenario is faced with many different variables and each case is unique. Please contact us today to speak with an ABT Representative to discuss how we can help you.

A coroner investigates to determine the identity of the deceased and assign a manner of death. To do this, a post-mortem exam may be necessary. Deaths are classified as natural, accidental, homicide, suicide or undetermined. If a death is suspicious, the police work with the coroner. A forensic autopsy is performed if foul play is suspected.

An inquest might be in order. Inquests are court proceedings that delve deeper into the circumstances of unattended deaths. The findings of the jury and other parties that were involved in the investigation are presented to the public. No one is on trial in an inquest, but inquests are often held to expose dangerous conditions or practices that could result in preventable deaths.

Unfortunately, the burden of cleanup after an unattended or violent death falls on the homeowner.

Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover the cost of cleaning biohazards. You’ll have to call your adjuster for the specifics on your coverage. You needn’t feel uncomfortable; adjusters are used to answering such questions. For your convenience, we will gladly work directly with insurance companies or provide assistance in filing an insurance time.

Most insurers make no distinction between cleanup after a natural death and cleanup after a murder or suicide.

They are. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has such strict guidelines for workers in health care professions.

Bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, spinal fluid and others, may contain infectious agents that transmit potentially deadly diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

Hepatitis B virus is the most contagious, and it can survive in dried blood for up to two weeks or more.

To remove blood stains from clothing, rinse the garment in cold water and pretreat it with stain-removal spray. Gently rub the stain with bar soap and apply a drop or two of diluted ammonia. Machine-wash the garment using an enzyme-based detergent and allow it to air-dry.

Try these methods if the stain has dried:

• Vigorously scrub the stain on both sides of the fabric with solid-block laundry soap and cold water. Air-dry the garment.
• Make a paste using 1 teaspoon of unseasoned meat tenderizer and a little water. Rub it into the stain and let it sit for about an hour before rinsing under cold water and washing as usual. Air-dry the garment.
• Soak the garment in a large bowl of cold water with ½ cup of enzymatic cleaner for one to eight hours. Rinse and air-dry the garment.

Do not use enzymatic cleaners on wool or silk.

This method requires direct sunlight.

• Soak the garment in cold water. Transfer it to a large ziplock bag. Add 2 cups of lemon juice and ½ cup of salt. Seal the bag and massage the stained area. Remove the garment after 10 minutes and wring out the excess lemon juice.
• Dry the garment on a clothesline or flat surface outdoors in direct sunlight. Wash normally.

Be sure to wear protective gloves as you follow these steps:

• First, disinfect the bloodstain. Fill a plastic spray bottle or bucket with 1 cup of bleach and 10 cups of water. Shake or stir well to combine. Apply the solution to the stain
• Wipe the area with paper towels. Rewet it with the bleach solution and allow the solution to evaporate.
• Spray the tile with a commercial-strength tile cleaner and stain remover. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Scrub the stain with a soft-bristle brush or sturdy sponge. For stubborn stains, reapply the cleaning solution and let it sit for a while. For stained grout, use a solution that contains sulfamic or phosphoric acids.
• Rinse the area and allow it to air-dry.