The Broward County (Fla.) Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services contacted IQAir with concerns about the Indoor Air Quality at its Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, office. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution to manage their air quality, they partnered with IQAir, global leader in air quality technology of top-rated air purifiers to find clean air solutions that could consistently ensure the staff’s health, happiness, and productivity.

Workplace Risks and Need

Medical examiners and staff are exposed to a variety of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) risks during their day-to-day duties. These tasks, such as performing autopsies, conducting examinations, collecting evidence, and interpreting toxicological tests, involve potential exposure to health hazards like viruses, bacteria, volatile organic compounds (like formaldehyde), and other hazardous airborne contaminants. For a team that handles more than 1,800 cases annually the management of IAQ was critical for the safety and effective operation of the Broward team.

Response to Identified Risks

Upon realizing the potential exposure of his team to airborne contaminants, Dr. Craig Mallak, the chief medical examiner, who had been using IQAir room air purifiers in his home for a number of years to great satisfaction, wondered if the same air-cleaning technology could be applied in the office. He approached IQAir to design a filtration solution to provide a similar medical-grade air quality in the autopsy and surgical suites, as well as in other offices and common areas.

The Solution and Implementation

Upon receiving the call for assistance, IQAir's team swiftly evaluated the situation and worked with the medical examiner’s staff to create a tailored solution. Their proposal involved installing three CleanZone 5100 medical-grade air-cleaning systems in the autopsy suite. IQAir's CleanZone air purifiers were specifically chosen for their remarkable capabilities, delivering up to 1400 cubic feet per minute of clean air, and all of this with minimal noise. The ability to rapidly and efficiently circulate clean air is crucial in the demanding environment of a large autopsy suite, where the air quality can directly impact both the accuracy of the procedures and the health of the personnel. With these considerations in mind, the choice of IQAir's CleanZone Series becomes apparent. In addition, 25 HealthPro Plus room air purifiers in staff offices and common areas.

The CleanZone systems, equipped with IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA filtration, are certified to be effective against ultrafine particles, including viruses. These systems operate around the clock, offering constant protection and air cleaning. The HealthPro Plus units were programmed to start an hour before staff arrival and continue after they depart, ensuring the environment remains clean throughout the day.

The Results and Benefits

The IQAir systems installed in the Broward County medical examiner’s office provide a steady supply of medical-grade air, removing airborne contaminants down to 0.003 microns in diameter. This includes removal of airborne viruses, bacteria, mold spores, ultrafine particles and other airborne contaminants that trigger allergies and could put the health of staff members at risk.

Since the IQAir technologies were installed, there has been a decline in respiratory problems and allergies among staff members. Dr. Mallack said, “IQAir’s systems provided a level of protection and indoor environmental quality that is appropriate for a world-class medical examiner’s office like ours.”

The takeaway

Ensuring the highest quality indoor air is not just a matter of comfort but of health and safety, particularly in environments such as a medical examiner's office. With customized solutions, IQAir was able to significantly improve the working conditions and the wellbeing of the staff at the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office.