Several groups are organizing a community meeting to discuss high levels of sulfur dioxide in the Kansas City area.

The Aug. 13th meeting will be held at 7 pm at The Don Bosco Community Center, 580 Campbell St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

Federal and state agencies have designated part of Kansas City as having dangerously high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) air pollution.

The Kansas City area involved is home to over 54,000 people and 6,000 school children.

In as few as five minutes, sulfur dioxide air pollution causes breathing problems and can lead to serious health problems. This is particularly dangerous for people with asthma, children and older adults.

Organizers of the community event include the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and health officials from Children's Mercy Hospital and the Sierra Club.

Schedule to present at the meeting are Dr. Jennifer Lowry (toxicologist) and Dr. Jay Protnoy (asthma) from Children's Mercy Hospital and Kyra Moore, head of the Air Program at Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR)

Download a fact sheet on the Kansas City area issue.

Download US Environmental Protection Agency letter to DNR. Learn more.

View 2011 DNR Kansas City presentation.