An Odor Theory - Cellulosic Saturation

The death odor, aka miasma,
seems to linger farr too long following the decomposition of organic matter.

In an enclosed building with little ventilation, miasma penetrates cellular materials found in clothing, carpet, carpet padding, composite wood, mattresses.

I often use ozone machines and chemicals to remove or at least alter this distressing odor. When the odor has been present for too long in too much consentration, it is very hard to remove.

I have found that the larger the cellular structure of material, be it organic or inorganic, the greater its saturation wth miasma. Even walls will resist desaturation, depending upon their cellular structure. Cement walls, which typically have tight cellular structure, tend to resist penetration by odors. Inexpensive composite woods tend to have large cellular structure and tend to absorb and hold odors.

In my experience, the following items tend to hold the miasma odor:
Carpet
Carpet padding
Clothing (organic and inorganic)
Composite wood
- cabinets
- fan blades
- apartment walls

Mattresses

My expeerience is that nature will take its course and the offending odors will dissipate. Few of us have the luxury of waiting for Mother Nature, though.

Villating a room is most important. Next, cleaning and removing the offending matter. Then creating high levels of oxygen with a ozone machine will help. Applying various chemicals will also help. And this is the idea that caused me to write this blurb here, applying various chemicals in a search for the best miasma neutralizer. I have tried bleach, which helps more than most chemicals, but bleach has problems. Bleach stains and it causes corrosion.

Vinegar is a candidate under some circumstances, like non-porous surfaces, but it must be studied further.

I will write more on this subject at a latter date, documenting my findings as they develop.

Eddie Evans
Crime Scene Cleanup