To Clear the Air (Quincy, M.E.)
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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
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.
← The Face of Fear (Quincy, M.E.) • To Clean the Air • The Flight of the Nightengale (Quincy, M.E.) Season 5 Overview: 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.
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")