Admin at 15:48, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T15:48:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:48, 6 August 2025
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	\| titlecard = QME_To_Clean_the_Air_Titlecard.png		\| titlecard = QME_To_Clean_the_Air_Titlecard.png
	\| series = Quincy, M.E.		\| series = Quincy, M.E.
	\| season = 5		\| season = 6
	\| episode = 15		\| episode = 15
	\| airdate = January 21, 1981		\| airdate = January 21, 1981
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	\| victim = Multiple (factory workers)		\| victim = Multiple (factory workers)
	\| autopsy_findings = Lung damage consistent with long-term industrial exposure; toxic chemical poisoning		\| autopsy_findings = Lung damage consistent with long-term industrial exposure; toxic chemical poisoning
	\| prev = [[~~The Face of Fear~~ (Quincy, M.E.)]]		\| prev = [[Into the Murdering Mind (Quincy, M.E.)]]
	\| next = [[The ~~Flight~~ of ~~the Nightengale~~ (Quincy, M.E.)]]		\| next = [[The Shadow of Death (Quincy, M.E.)]]
	\| network_logo = nbc2.png		\| network_logo = nbc2.png
	\| network = [[NBC]]		\| network = [[NBC]]

Admin: Created page with "{{Infobox television episode | title = To Clean the Air | titlecard = QME_To_Clean_the_Air_Titlecard.png | series = Quincy, M.E. | season = 5 | episode = 15 | airdate = January 21, 1981 | airtime = 60 minutes | runtime = approx. 48 minutes without commercials | production_number = 55115 | writer = Richard DiLello | director = Herb Wieder | music_by =..."

2025-07-22T18:21:13Z

Created page with "{{Infobox television episode | title = To Clean the Air | titlecard = QME_To_Clean_the_Air_Titlecard.png | series = Quincy, M.E. | season = 5 | episode = 15 | airdate = January 21, 1981 | airtime = 60 minutes | runtime = approx. 48 minutes without commercials | production_number = 55115 | writer = Richard DiLello | director = Herb Wieder | music_by =..."

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{{Infobox television episode
| title = To Clean the Air
| titlecard = QME_To_Clean_the_Air_Titlecard.png
| series = Quincy, M.E.
| season = 5
| episode = 15
| airdate = January 21, 1981
| airtime = 60 minutes
| runtime = approx. 48 minutes without commercials
| production_number = 55115
| writer = Richard DiLello
| director = Herb Wieder
| music_by = Stu Phillips
| guest_star = John Marley as Victor Benson
| victim = Multiple (factory workers)
| autopsy_findings = Lung damage consistent with long-term industrial exposure; toxic chemical poisoning
| prev = [[The Face of Fear (Quincy, M.E.)]]
| next = [[The Flight of the Nightengale (Quincy, M.E.)]]
| network_logo = nbc2.png
| network = [[NBC]]
| production_company = Universal Television / Glen A. Larson Productions
}}

<div style="text-align:center; margin-top:10px;">
[[File:QME_To_Clean_The_Air_Still.jpg|480px|center|thumb|alt=Dr. Quincy examines a factory worker in 'To Clean the Air'|Dr. Quincy investigates industrial pollution consequences in ''To Clean the Air'']]
</div>

== Episode Quote ==
'''"Sometimes the air we breathe hides the truth that no one wants to face."'''
~ '''Dr. Quincy''', in ''[[To Clean the Air (Quincy, M.E.)]]''

== Episode Overview ==
''To Clean the Air'' is the 15th episode of Season 5 of the [[Quincy, M.E.]] series, originally airing on [[NBC]] on January 21, 1981. Dr. Quincy investigates a mysterious cluster of deaths among factory workers, exposing severe industrial pollution and corporate negligence affecting community health.

== Table of Contents ==
__TOC__

== Application of The QME Episode Laws ==
''To Clean the Air'' adheres strictly to **The QME Episode Laws**:

✅ **Law 1:** Quincy pursues the truth behind a series of fatal respiratory illnesses and deaths, fighting to bring justice to affected workers.

✅ **Law 2:** The episode tackles social and ethical issues related to environmental pollution, corporate accountability, and workers' rights.

✅ **Law 3:** The show approaches the complex topic of industrial disease sensitively, emphasizing scientific evidence and human cost.

✅ **Law 4:** The episode highlights forensic pathology and environmental toxicology accuracy through autopsies, lung biopsies, and chemical analyses.

== Episode Synopsis ==
A series of deaths among workers at a local chemical plant leads Quincy to investigate potential environmental causes. Autopsies reveal lung damage and toxic chemical poisoning inconsistent with natural causes. Quincy uncovers corporate cover-ups and lax pollution controls threatening public health. Battling bureaucratic and industrial resistance, Quincy works with whistleblowers and community activists to expose the truth and push for regulatory reforms.

== Plot Summary ==
The episode opens with the death of a young factory worker exhibiting severe respiratory distress. Quincy performs an autopsy revealing industrial chemical toxins in lung tissue. Further investigation reveals multiple similar deaths and illnesses linked to the nearby chemical plant. Quincy confronts company executives, who deny responsibility. He gathers forensic and environmental evidence with help from Sam Fujiyama and local health officials. Facing intimidation tactics, Quincy persists to ensure public safety and justice.

== Episode Navigation ==
← [[The Face of Fear (Quincy, M.E.)]] • '''To Clean the Air''' • [[The Flight of the Nightengale (Quincy, M.E.)]]
''Season 5 Overview:'' [[Quincy, M.E. (Season 5)|Full Episode List]]

== Main Cast ==
* '''Jack Klugman''' as Dr. R. Quincy
* '''Robert Ito''' as Sam Fujiyama
* '''John S. Ragin''' as Dr. Asten
* '''Garry Walberg''' as Lt. Monahan

== Guest Cast ==
* '''John Marley''' as Victor Benson, factory whistleblower
* '''Kimberly Beck''' as Susan Wallace, affected worker
* '''Edward Binns''' as Mr. Carlson, chemical plant manager

== Case File Summary ==
'''Victims:''' Multiple factory workers with respiratory disease and toxic poisoning
'''Case #:''' LACC 81.01.160

Autopsies revealed chronic lung damage and chemical toxin accumulation. Industrial pollution linked to corporate negligence.

== Alleged Perpetrator(s) ==
* Management and executives at the chemical manufacturing plant responsible for ignoring safety protocols and polluting the environment.

== Filming Locations and Exterior Footage ==
Industrial exteriors were filmed at a decommissioned chemical plant site in the Los Angeles area, supplemented by studio sets replicating hospital and community environments.

<div style="text-align:center; margin-top:8px;">
[[File:Chemical_Plant_Exterior_LA.jpg|320px|alt=Chemical plant exterior used in 'To Clean the Air' filming|Filming location: Decommissioned chemical plant, Los Angeles]]
</div>

== Forensic Science Insight ==
* Autopsy examination of lungs showing chemical-induced fibrosis and tissue necrosis.
* Use of toxicology reports to detect industrial solvents and chemicals.
* Collaboration between forensic pathology and environmental science to establish causation.
* Highlighting challenges in linking chronic industrial exposure to cause of death.

== Themes & Tropes ==
* ''Environmental Injustice'' – exposing harm to vulnerable workers and communities.
* ''Corporate Cover-Up'' – battling powerful interests suppressing truth.
* ''Science as Truth'' – forensic evidence as key to unveiling hidden crimes.
* ''Social Responsibility'' – advocating for public health and workplace safety.

== Reception & Ratings ==
The episode was praised for its socially conscious message and detailed portrayal of industrial health risks. It contributed to public discourse on environmental regulation during the early 1980s.

== Trivia ==
* John Marley was known for his roles portraying morally complex characters, adding gravitas as the whistleblower.
* The episode aired amid growing national awareness of environmental and occupational health hazards.
* Production consultants included industrial hygienists to ensure realism.

== Cultural Impact ==
''To Clean the Air'' helped popularize environmental health issues in prime-time drama, influencing later shows tackling pollution and occupational disease.

== See Also ==
* [[Quincy, M.E.]]
* [[List of Quincy, M.E. episodes]]
* [[Industrial disease]]
* [[Environmental toxicology]]
* [[Occupational safety and health]]

== External Links ==
* [IMDb page for ''To Clean the Air''](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0xxxxx "IMDb – To Clean the Air")
* [Quincy Examiner discussion thread](https://www.quincyexaminer.com/forum/thread1234 "Quincy Forum – To Clean the Air")

To Clear the Air (Quincy, M.E.) - Revision history

Admin at 15:48, 6 August 2025