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Lavínia, a municipality nestled within the state of São Paulo, Brazil, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Located at approximately -21.1683 latitude and -51.0397 longitude, the city occupies a gently undulating terrain typical of the interior Paulista plateau. Its elevation, around 460 meters, contributes to localized meteorological patterns. Lavínia is not directly adjacent to large bodies of water, though smaller rivers and streams dissect the landscape, providing limited natural dispersion for pollutants. The surrounding region is characterized by a mosaic of agricultural land – primarily sugarcane and soybean cultivation – interspersed with pockets of remaining Atlantic Forest remnants. This agricultural activity, while economically important, introduces potential sources of particulate matter from field preparation and burning practices. The city’s proximity to larger industrial centers within the São Paulo metropolitan area, particularly those concentrated along the Tietê River basin, means it can experience the transport of pollutants via prevailing winds. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Lavínia representing a smaller, less densely populated center surrounded by a predominantly rural landscape. This influences local wind patterns and the potential for pollutant accumulation within the built environment. The city’s relatively small size means emissions from traffic and local industry have a more concentrated impact.

Lavínia experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning May to September, sees a significant reduction in rainfall, leading to decreased atmospheric scavenging of pollutants. This period often coincides with increased agricultural burning for sugarcane harvest preparation, resulting in elevated particulate matter concentrations. Stable atmospheric conditions and temperature inversions are more frequent during these months, trapping pollutants near the ground. October to April marks the wet season, bringing frequent rainfall and increased humidity. This effectively washes pollutants from the air, generally improving air quality. However, increased rainfall can also lead to muddy unpaved roads, contributing to resuspended dust. February and March, the peak of the wet season, generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly August and September, and consider limiting strenuous outdoor activities. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants from regional sources can be transported into Lavínia during periods of low wind speed. Fog, common during cooler mornings, can exacerbate particulate matter concentrations.