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Nestled in the Kannur district of northern Kerala, Iritty occupies a strategic position at the foothills of the Western Ghats, approximately 11.8512°N, 75.5947°E, with an elevation around 100-150 meters above sea level. This small town of 15,000 residents sits along the Iritty River, a tributary of the Valapattanam River, creating a humid microclimate that traps pollutants. Iritty's geography places it within Kerala's rubber belt, surrounded by dense plantations and agricultural fields that transition into forested hills to the east. The town serves as a commercial hub for surrounding rural areas, creating an urban-rural gradient where vehicle traffic converges on narrow roads, generating persistent exhaust and road dust. Its location in a valley-like depression between the Western Ghats and coastal plains creates poor air dispersion, particularly during dry periods when pollutants from rubber processing smoke, agricultural burning, and biomass combustion accumulate. Proximity to the Arabian Sea (about 50 km west) brings monsoon winds that cleanse the air seasonally, but the town's position inland means it misses the full cleansing effect of coastal breezes. The terrain's gentle slopes contribute to drainage issues during rains, while the surrounding agricultural zones—dominated by rubber, coconut, and paddy—generate seasonal pollution through burning practices. This geographic setting makes Iritty vulnerable to localized pollution hotspots despite its small size and rural character.

Iritty's tropical monsoon climate creates distinct seasonal air quality patterns driven by meteorological factors. During the dry season from December to April, particularly in February through April, pollution peaks as vehicle exhaust, rubber smoke from processing units, road dust, and agricultural burning combine under stable atmospheric conditions. Temperature inversions in the early morning trap pollutants near the ground, while light winds from the northeast fail to disperse emissions. Sensitive groups like children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities during these months, especially in morning hours when pollution concentrations are highest. The southwest monsoon from June to September brings heavy rains that wash away pollutants, creating the cleanest air of the year, though flooding and landslides pose other hazards. This period favors outdoor activities with proper rain protection. The post-monsoon period of October-November sees gradually deteriorating air quality as burning activities resume and humidity drops, while the northeast monsoon from October-December brings occasional showers that provide temporary relief. Fog occasionally forms in December-January, mixing with smoke to create hazy conditions. Wind patterns shift seasonally: sea breezes from the west during monsoon provide ventilation, while land breezes from the east during dry months carry smoke from hinterland burning into the town. The annual cycle makes late monsoon (August-September) the optimal time for outdoor pursuits, while peak dry months require precautions like masks and indoor air purifiers for vulnerable residents.