At what approximate time does putrefaction typically begin?

Putrefaction, the process of decomposition in the body following death, typically begins around 24 to 36 hours post-mortem, depending on various factors such as environmental conditions and the individual’s body condition. The timeframe of approximately 18 hours can sometimes be too early for noticeable signs of putrefaction to develop consistently in all cases.

At around 24 hours after death, changes such as the production of gases and the appearance of discoloration can generally be observed, marking the onset of visible putrefactive changes. These changes are facilitated by bacterial action, which begins to break down tissues, leading to the characteristic smells and alterations seen during the decomposition process. Since 24 hours is within the range where putrefactive changes begin, it aligns better with when the process is recognizable, although some texts might underscore that noticeable changes may appear a bit longer after death.