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Anse-à-Pitres, nestled in Haiti’s Sud-Est department, presents a complex geographical scenario impacting its air quality. The city occupies a coastal plain, a narrow strip between the Caribbean Sea and the rugged, mountainous interior. This terrain, characterized by steep slopes and limited flat land, constrains urban sprawl but also hinders air dispersion. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, dominated by small-scale agriculture – primarily subsistence farming of crops like coffee, cacao, and fruits – and dense tropical forests climbing the hillsides. The proximity to the sea introduces a constant influx of sea spray, contributing to particulate matter, while the prevailing trade winds, though offering some ventilation, can also carry pollutants from regional sources. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the city centre quickly transitions to agricultural land. Limited industrial activity is concentrated near the port, a potential source of localised emissions. Dust from unpaved roads and construction, common in a developing urban environment, adds to the particulate load. The city’s elevation is relatively low, increasing humidity and potentially trapping pollutants during stable atmospheric conditions. This combination of factors creates a unique microclimate influencing pollutant concentration and dispersion patterns.

Anse-à-Pitres experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from December to April, sees reduced rainfall and increased dust resuspension from roads and agricultural lands, leading to higher particulate matter concentrations. Stable atmospheric conditions during this period, coupled with lower wind speeds, exacerbate pollution. February and March are often the months with the poorest air quality. The wet season, from May to November, brings relief through rainfall which washes away pollutants, but also increased humidity which can promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The peak of the hurricane season (August-October) can bring temporary improvements due to heavy rainfall, but also potential damage to infrastructure releasing debris into the air. Temperature inversions, common in the mornings, can trap pollutants near ground level regardless of season. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and be mindful of potential irritants after heavy rainfall. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants can be transported from agricultural burning practices in surrounding areas.