Plume Labs raises $4.5 million to expand its AI-driven app that helps people avoid air pollution

Paris-based Plume Labs announced today that it has raised $4.5 million to deepen the impact of an air pollution service it hopes will improve health, and even save lives.

Launching last year, the Plume Air Report is a free mobile app for the iPhone and Android phones that allows consumers to measure their exposure to heavy pollution and get pollution forecasts. The service plugs into publicly available pollution data and air quality monitors operated by governments and then uses AI to track and forecast pollution safety levels.

The idea is that if people have a better idea about their exposure, or potential exposure, they can decide when and where to go so as to reduce negative impacts on their health.

“Air pollution is a leading avoidable cause of death worldwide and a pandemic of global proportions,” said Romain Lacombe, CEO and cofounder of Plume Labs. “The consumer tech industry has the tools — and the moral obligation — to take a leadership role in tackling this crisis.”

While some governments offer ways for citizens to see some of that info, Plume provides all of it in real time. And, more importantly, using the analytical tools built by the company, it gives distinct advice, such as whether it is safe to go outside, and how long you can be outdoors before the air quality will affect your health.

With the latest funding, Plume says it will expand its atmospheric forecasting platform to 60 countries. Its Plume Air Cloud API is available for developers and third-party organizations interested in tapping into its data. The company also plans to hire more environmental and data scientists.