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Santa Teresa, nestled in the state of Paraná, Brazil, presents a unique geographic setting influencing its air quality. Located at coordinates -25.0167, -53.5667, the city occupies a plateau region within the broader Paraná Plateau, experiencing elevations ranging from 700 to 900 meters above sea level. This elevated position contributes to cooler temperatures compared to surrounding lowlands, but also increases susceptibility to temperature inversions. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, heavily forested with Araucaria forest, a biome increasingly impacted by agricultural expansion. Santa Teresa is not directly adjacent to large bodies of water, though the Ivaí River flows nearby, influencing local humidity. The surrounding region is predominantly agricultural, with significant soybean and corn cultivation, alongside cattle ranching. While Santa Teresa itself maintains a relatively small urban footprint with a population of 13,174, the expanding agricultural frontier and associated biomass burning practices contribute to particulate matter. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with rapid transitions from dense forest to cultivated land. The city’s position within a valley can trap pollutants during calm weather conditions, exacerbating air quality concerns. The prevailing winds generally flow from the south, potentially carrying pollutants from more industrialized areas further south in Paraná.

Santa Teresa experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally improves during the wet season (October to March) due to increased rainfall which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, high humidity can also foster mold growth, impacting respiratory health. The dry season (April to September) consistently presents the poorest air quality. This is largely due to increased agricultural burning for land preparation, releasing significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter. August and September are typically the worst months, coinciding with peak harvest and burning activity. Temperature inversions are common during the cooler, drier months, trapping pollutants near ground level. Calm wind conditions exacerbate this effect. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. Fog is frequent in the mornings, particularly during the cooler months, potentially carrying pollutants. The transition periods (April/May and October/November) offer the most favourable conditions, with moderate temperatures and rainfall. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as smoke from distant fires can rapidly degrade air quality.