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Air quality management in mortuary facilities

Improving air quality and workplace hygiene in a specialist mortuary facility.

N.E. Downing is a trusted funeral service provider dedicated to delivering compassionate care and professionalism during life’s most sensitive moments. Behind the scenes, their mortuary and preparation facilities play a vital role in supporting families with dignity, respect and attention to detail.

In such specialist environments, maintaining high standards of hygiene and staff wellbeing is essential. N.E. Downing partnered with We Share Clean Air to assess indoor air quality within their mortuary facility and introduce a solution that would create a safer, cleaner working atmosphere for their team.

The Problem

Elevated airborne pollutants in a mortuary environment


In December 2025, a funeral service provider installed a Philipiak Air Purifier/Sanitiser unit in their mortuary facility. The installation targeted improvements in indoor air quality through the reduction of airborne bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with the primary goal of enhancing staff wellbeing in this specialised work environment.

Air quality assessment was conducted across three measurement periods: baseline sampling prior to installation, an interim evaluation two weeks post-installation, and a final assessment in early February 2026. The data demonstrates substantial reductions in both airborne particulate matter and VOC concentrations within the mortuary space.

Particles measuring 0.3 micrometres (μm) and smaller represent a critical concern in occupational health settings. These fine particles can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system and potentially enter the bloodstream. They commonly serve as carriers for airborne bacteria and viruses. Additionally, VOCs present specific challenges in mortuary environments, where chemical compounds can accumulate and affect air quality.

Initial air quality measurements significantly exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for occupational indoor environments. Following installation of the air purification system, readings have improved considerably, now registering slightly above WHO recommended thresholds. The reduction in VOC levels has been particularly notable, contributing to a marked improvement in overall air quality.

The enhanced air environment has created measurable benefits for staff wellbeing. The reduction in airborne pathogens and VOCs has resulted in a cleaner, safer working environment that better supports the health and comfort of funeral service professionals working in the mortuary facility.

The chart shows the air quality findings across 3 dates:

  • 22nd December 2025 (Red)

  • 8th January 2026 (Yellow)

  • 2nd February 2026 (Blue)

The Solution

Installing the Philipiak air purifier/sanitiser unit


To address the elevated readings and improve overall air conditions, We Share Clean Air installed the Philipiak air purifier/sanitiser unit within the mortuary facility.

The Philipiak air purifier/sanitiser unit is designed for high-demand indoor environments where air hygiene is critical. It provides continuous air purification, helping reduce airborne pollutants and supporting a cleaner, safer atmosphere for staff working in specialist conditions.

Key benefits of the Philipiak air purifier/sanitiser unit include:

  • High-efficiency filtration for fine airborne particles

  • Reduction of airborne irritants and contaminants

  • Support for hygienic, controlled indoor environments

  • Quiet, discreet operation suited to professional facilities

  • Reliable long-term performance in high-use spaces

Our Products

A white Philips air purifier with blue light emitting from the top, situated on a tiled floor in a clinical or laboratory setting with stainless steel tables in the background.

What we did for N.E. Downing


To help N.E. Downing tackle their air quality challenges, We Share Clean Air carried out a comprehensive, step-by-step approach designed to understand the environment, identify the root causes of poor air quality, and implement the most effective clean-air solution.

The Results

Cleaner air for staff wellbeing and facility standards


The installation of the Philipiak Air Purifier/Sanitiser unit resulted in significant reductions across all measured particulate types. These improvements created a noticeably fresher indoor environment, reducing allergens, improving comfort for visiting clients, and supporting better breathing conditions for staff.

Ultrafine particles (<0.3 μm) Dropped dramatically from 30,398 to 10,568

This equates to a reduction of up to 65% depending on the time of reading.

0.5 μm particles reduced from 12,171 to 4,355

A substantial decrease, reducing airborne irritants that affect both humans and animals.

1.0 μm particles reduced from 2,116 to 1,543

Indicative of better overall air purity and reduced allergen presence.

Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) reading 47.3 μg/m³ dropped to 8.3 μg/m³

Improved post-filtration, resulting in better comfort, less odour and a cleaner-feeling space.

Contact

We Share Clean Air is proud to support N.E. Downing in delivering safer, cleaner air for everyone who walks through their doors.

This case study demonstrates how clean air technology can play a vital role in specialist funeral service environments. In facilities where hygiene, professionalism and staff wellbeing are paramount, air purification provides an additional layer of protection and reassurance.

We Share Clean Air is proud to support N.E. Downing in creating cleaner, safer conditions for their team, helping them continue delivering their essential work with confidence and care.

support@theshepherdgroup.co.uk