Mr. Editor:
In regards to EM Joe’s post regarding “That Post Die-Off Fragrance,” I too spent 30 years in Public Service as a Forensic Investigator attending and investigating numerous death scenes and autopsies involving decomposing bodies. I used to use copious amounts of Vicks Vapor-Rub, both on my upper lip and even stuffed up the nose. One day, while attending an autopsy on a real “stinker”, the pathologist conducting the post mortem exam observed me and my faithful jar of Vicks and informed me that if I used enough of the stuff I would eventually erode away the mucus membranes in the sinus cavity. Just Dandy I thought to myself, soooo I asked what would be a good alternative? He responded by saying that a good activated charcoal filter mask would do the trick for a short time. However, for long term the mask and a small single drop of Oil of Clove on the exterior front portion of the mask, between the nose and mouth would work wonders. I employed this method for approximately 25 years with no side effects. A caution when using this method is to use only a single drop of oil and not make direct skin contact with the Oil of Clove. It has a tendency to burn the skin. Regards, – Surfin’ Cowboy
Jim:
I worked in around Gulfport, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina as an insurance adjuster. Most of the deaths occurred next to the ocean where the storm surge killed people and animals. You could drive down the interstate 6 to 8 miles north from the kill zone and still smell decaying flesh. This came from all the dead pets, wildlife, sea life, and a few dead people. (a warehouse full of frozen chicken didn’t help either)
If it is summertime, the problem takes care of itself in about 2 weeks. We pulled out of the worst area for a week or so to let nature take its course. Obviously the duration depends of the time of year. In the summertime in the deep south we have 100 degree weather and near 100% humidity. Bodies quickly decompose to little more than bones in a very short period of time.
Like anything, you quit smelling it and will not notice it unless you leave the area and come back – J.