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Les Côteaux, nestled within Haiti’s Sud department at coordinates 18.2060, -74.0401, occupies a geographically complex position. The city’s name, translating to ‘The Slopes,’ immediately hints at its terrain – a hilly landscape rising from the plains towards the interior mountains of the Tiburon Peninsula. This undulating topography significantly influences local air quality, creating microclimates and trapping pollutants in valleys. Les Côteaux is situated approximately 15km inland from the Caribbean Sea, benefitting from some coastal breezes, but also vulnerable to marine layer influences. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by smallholder farms cultivating coffee, mangoes, and other tropical produce. While not a major industrial hub, localized charcoal production, a common energy source in Haiti, contributes to particulate matter. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city centre is densely populated, transitioning quickly to rural farmland. This proximity to agricultural activities introduces potential for pesticide drift and biomass burning emissions. The elevation, while not extreme, contributes to temperature inversions, particularly during calmer periods, exacerbating pollution concentration. The region’s vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms also impacts air quality through wind dispersal and potential damage to infrastructure, releasing debris into the atmosphere.

Air quality in Les Côteaux follows a pattern largely dictated by Haiti’s tropical climate, defined by a wet season (May-November) and a relatively drier season (December-April). The wet season generally brings improved air quality due to rainfall scavenging pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also foster mold growth, impacting respiratory health. August and September, peak hurricane months, can see temporary improvements followed by spikes in particulate matter from storm damage. The drier season, particularly February and March, often experiences the poorest air quality. Reduced rainfall allows pollutants from charcoal production and agricultural burning to accumulate. Temperature inversions are more frequent during this period, trapping pollutants near ground level. Calm winds exacerbate the situation. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these months. The Harmattan winds, blowing from the Sahara, can occasionally transport dust across the Caribbean, further degrading air quality. Monitoring local conditions and avoiding outdoor exertion during periods of haze or smoke is crucial. Even during the wet season, localized burning can create temporary pollution hotspots.