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Getulina, nestled within the state of São Paulo, Brazil, occupies a strategically important position within the broader Campinas metropolitan region. Located at approximately -21.7986° latitude and -49.9286° longitude, the city’s geography is characterized by gently undulating terrain typical of the Serra do Mar foothills. Its elevation, around 650 meters above sea level, contributes to a relatively mild climate, but also influences local air circulation patterns. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily sugarcane and citrus plantations, interspersed with smaller rural settlements and patches of Atlantic Forest remnants. This proximity to intensive agriculture introduces potential sources of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the local atmosphere, particularly during harvest seasons when burning practices, though regulated, can still occur. Getulina’s position within the São Paulo agricultural belt means it experiences a gradual urban–rural gradient, with the influence of Campinas’ industrial activity extending outwards. The city itself is relatively small, exhibiting a predominantly residential character with limited heavy industry. However, the regional transportation network, with Getulina serving as a transit point, contributes to vehicular emissions. The lack of significant bodies of water directly adjacent to the city limits natural air purification mechanisms, making the local topography and prevailing wind patterns crucial determinants of air quality. The Serra do Mar to the east creates a barrier that can trap pollutants under certain meteorological conditions, impacting Getulina’s air quality.

Getulina’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, significantly influencing its air quality throughout the year. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, often sees a noticeable increase in particulate matter concentrations. This is partly attributable to the reduced rainfall, which limits the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, and partly due to increased agricultural burning, although enforcement efforts aim to minimize this. During this period, temperature inversions are more frequent, particularly in the early morning hours, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The dry winds, common during August and September, can exacerbate this effect by transporting dust and smoke from surrounding agricultural areas. Conversely, the wet season (October to March) brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as pollutants are washed from the atmosphere. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to increased mold and fungal spore concentrations, impacting indoor air quality. Fog, while infrequent, can occur during the cooler months (June-August), further reducing visibility and trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly on days with stagnant air or visible smoke. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, although vigilance regarding pollen and mold counts remains important. The interplay of these seasonal factors creates a dynamic air quality profile, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptive public health messaging.