Urban population growth has led to increased air pollution, influenced by disrupted wind patterns and the heterogeneous distribution of pollutants. Although the relationship between urban form and air quality is well recognized, it is often examined in isolation and through simplified urban geometries. This study addresses these limitations by numerically analyzing pollutant dispersion in densely populated hillside areas using idealized but topographically representative building geometries. A three-dimensional microclimatic simulation is conducted with ENVI-met software, incorporating parametric slope angles and building height variations. The results demonstrate that both slope steepness and building height significantly affect local pollutant concentrations: steeper slopes and taller buildings are associated with higher peak pollution values in the environment. Additionally, the simulation results show that vegetation is critical in mitigating pollution, acting as a natural barrier that enhances dispersion. These findings highlight the need for slope-sensitive urban planning and strategically integrating vegetation in hillside developments to improve air quality in complex urban terrains.

Air pollution is a growing environmental and public health concern, particularly in urban areas where vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and public events contribute to deteriorating air quality. This study examines air pollution concentrations in two districts of Cusco, Peru, using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates environmental monitoring and social risk perception analysis. Air quality measurements revealed elevated levels of PM2.5 and NO₂, with 40–60% of data falling within “Moderate” or “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” categories according to international standards. Notably, major cultural events such as Inti Raymi were associated with a threefold increase in pollutant concentrations, highlighting their impact on urban air quality. Simultaneously, surveys and interviews assessed public perception, revealing a varied understanding of pollution risks and a general concern for health impacts, especially in more polluted and densely populated areas. However, trust in scientists remains limited, which poses challenges for the implementation of evidence-based environmental strategies. This study highlights significant environmental inequality within the city, with central districts facing greater pollution burdens than peripheral zones. These findings underscore the need for holistic air quality management strategies that combine scientific assessments with community engagement. Strengthening trust between scientists and local populations is essential to develop inclusive and effective interventions that align with both technical and social priorities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing contexts such as Cusco.

Air pollution is a risk factor associated with various adverse effects on physical and mental health. The aim of the present study was to predict whether the perception of green areas, trust in scientists and climate anxiety have an impact on the perception of the effects of air pollution on health (PAPH). Our sample was composed of communities of populated hills in Peru N = 1088. We used the survey method, a non-probabilistic sampling design by quotas and face-to-face interviews. The results show that the variables analyzed have a significant positive impact, explaining 26% of the PAPH variance. Gender, age, educational level, perception of green spaces, trust in scientists and climate anxiety were identified as significant predictors. Climate anxiety was a variable that explained more of the variance compared to sociodemographics, perception of green spaces and trust in scientists. The main findings are discussed and highlight the importance of emotional factors in air pollution risk perception and their implications for policy and communication strategies to tackle environmental threats such as air pollution and health effects.