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Perdões, nestled in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, occupies a geographically significant position within the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. Located at approximately -21.0908° latitude and -45.0908° longitude, the city’s elevation averages around 850 meters (2,789 feet) above sea level, contributing to a cooler, more temperate climate compared to lower-lying regions of Brazil. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, dense Atlantic Forest remnants, and small agricultural plots, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. Perdões sits within a region historically rich in mineral extraction, particularly gold and diamonds, though current economic activity is more diversified, including agriculture (coffee, sugarcane, and livestock) and small-scale industry. The city’s terrain is undulating, influencing local wind patterns and potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. While not directly adjacent to a major river, several smaller streams and tributaries feed into larger river systems further downstream, impacting regional water quality and indirectly influencing atmospheric processes. The proximity to larger industrial belts in the São Paulo metropolitan area, though distant, can still contribute to long-range transport of pollutants. The urban character of Perdões is relatively small-town, with a compact core and expanding residential areas, meaning localized pollution sources, such as vehicle emissions and small-scale industrial activities, can have a more noticeable impact on air quality within the city limits. The surrounding Atlantic Forest, while providing some natural air filtration, is fragmented, limiting its overall effectiveness.

Perdões experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, often sees a noticeable increase in particulate matter concentrations. This is largely due to reduced rainfall, which limits the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, and increased agricultural burning practices used for land clearing and crop residue management. The lack of humidity also contributes to the formation of temperature inversions, particularly during the cooler months (June-August), where a layer of warm air traps cooler air (and pollutants) near the ground. These inversions can significantly worsen air quality, leading to stagnant conditions. The wet season, from October to March, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, naturally dispersing pollutants and improving air quality. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to soil erosion and the suspension of dust particles, temporarily impacting air quality. Fog, though infrequent, can also occur during the cooler months, trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning or when temperature inversions are present. Limiting outdoor exertion and avoiding areas with visible smoke are advisable. During the wet season, while generally cleaner, be mindful of potential dust events following heavy rainfall. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation is always recommended.