Death sucks!

But what happens to your body 
after you die is fascinating.

So we're going to show you.

Don't worry, it won't be gross...much.

Once a person's breathing stops,

the cells in their body 
stop receiving oxygen,

but the cells continue to live 
for several minutes

generating carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is acidic,

and it builds up, 
rupturing sacs inside the cells.

These sacs contain enzymes

that begin to digest the cells 
from the inside out.

This creates a blister-like fluid 
rich in nutrients.

After about a week, those nutrients

fuel an army of bacteria and fungi

that further liquefy organs and muscles.

The microbes that attack the tissue

produce a bewildering array of 
more than 400 chemicals and gases.

They include freon.

That's right, the coolant found in refrigerators.

Benzene, a powerful component in gasoline.

Sulfur, which smells 
of swamps and rotten eggs.

And the molecule known 
as Carbon Tetrachloride,

which was used in fire extinguishers
and dry cleaning

until scientists discovered 
it's highly toxic.

At this point, 
there's very little flesh left,

and it's consumed by... here it comes...

maggots and beetles.

Insects leave only bones behind.

Over time, the protein 
in bone decomposes too,

leaving just the bone mineral 
called hydroxyapatite,

which eventually turns to dust.

We can take some solace in the fact

that all those nutrients and chemicals, 
even the dust,

provide vital substances 
that make soils fertile,

sprouting plants and other new life

after our lives have ended.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

[Written and narrated by Mark Fischetti]
[Assistant Editor: Kathryn Free]

[Produced, edited & 
animated by Eric R. Olson]