A U.K. court recently determined that air pollution was a contributing factor to the severe asthma attack experienced by a young schoolgirl in February 2013. This decision is believed to be the first of its kind globally, occurring just a year following the unfortunate passing of Ella Kissi-Debrah, which prompted another parent to address concerns regarding air quality and its impact on her daughter’s respiratory health.

Yodit Stanton is now leading OpenSensors, an air-monitoring startup, after successfully raising $4 million in seed funding. This funding round was spearheaded by Crane Venture Partners, alongside contributions from other undisclosed investors. Prior to this, the company operated on a self-funded basis, relying on revenue generated from its customer base.

OpenSensors utilizes sensor technology to assess both air quality and light levels, but its core strength lies within its data platform. The company’s technology is designed to provide insights into workplace environments and employee activity patterns. While competing with firms such as Condecco and Workplace Fabric, OpenSensors distinguishes itself through a more comprehensive and holistic approach.

Currently, OpenSensors serves over 30 clients with substantial real estate portfolios spanning North America, Ireland, the U.K., and Europe, catering to sectors including insurance, finance, technology, and others.

Stanton stated: “The ways in which we work and live are evolving at an unprecedented rate. This presents a valuable opportunity to reconsider our utilization of the physical world, prioritizing both sustainability and the well-being of individuals within those spaces.”

Scott Sage, a partner at Crane Venture Partners, commented: “OpenSensors possesses the essential elements to become a trusted advisor and provider of solutions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period. Its data-driven insights, real-world applications, and established customer base also position it to support the growing trend towards more flexible work arrangements that have been accelerated by COVID-19.”

In an exclusive interview with TechCrunch, Stanton, who also founded and leads the U.K.’s Women In Data event, explained: “It began as a personal project, a hobby really. I was experimenting with IoT technology because my daughter suffers from asthma, and I wanted to monitor air quality in our area to see if I could identify any connections between particulate matter spikes and her asthma attacks. I initially shared it as a community resource for air quality monitoring, but it gained traction when people inquired about managing their buildings.”

She emphasized the role of humidity in virus transmission, noting: “Low humidity levels can contribute to the spread of viruses. Maintaining an indoor humidity level of approximately 40% is crucial, as dry air can also weaken an individual’s immune system.”

Consequently, monitoring air quality has become a critical concern for businesses, making air-quality startups like OpenSensors an increasingly attractive investment for venture capitalists.