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Polur is a small but industrially significant town in the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, situated approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Chennai in the southeastern part of India. Nestled at coordinates 12.5100°N, 79.3400°E, Polur lies within the broader Eastern Ghats region, characterized by undulating terrain with an average elevation of about 200 meters above sea level, which influences local air circulation patterns. The town is positioned near the Palar River basin, though the river often runs dry seasonally, contributing to dust issues. Surrounded by granite-rich hills, Polur has evolved into a hub for granite quarrying and processing, with its economy heavily reliant on this industry. The urban-rural gradient is marked by a compact town center giving way to scattered rural settlements and extensive quarry sites in the periphery. This geography exacerbates air quality challenges: the hilly terrain can trap pollutants, especially during calm weather, while the dry riverbed and exposed soil from quarrying activities generate significant dust. Proximity to agricultural zones adds occasional biomass burning emissions, though these are secondary to industrial sources. The town's location in a tropical wet-and-dry climate zone means seasonal weather shifts critically impact pollution dispersion, with dry periods seeing heightened particulate matter from local sources.

Polur's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern driven by its tropical wet-and-dry climate and local industrial activities. During the northeast monsoon season from October to December, rainfall cleanses the air temporarily, but as the monsoon withdraws by November, pollution begins to accumulate, peaking from November through February. These winter months experience cooler temperatures and frequent temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing the dispersion of pollutants like granite dust and diesel emissions from heavy vehicle transport. Calm winds and morning fog further exacerbate this, making these months particularly hazardous for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. From March to May, extreme heat dominates, increasing dust resuspension and generator use, though occasional breezes offer some relief. The southwest monsoon from June to September brings heavy rains that wash away pollutants, resulting in the cleanest air of the year, ideal for outdoor pursuits. Residents and visitors should avoid strenuous activities during peak pollution months and monitor local weather advisories for cyclones or heatwaves, which can worsen air quality intermittently.