An estimated 750 people crowded into Cleveland High School Tuesday to learn about the health impacts of high levels of cadmium and arsenic detected in the neighborhood air.
The Multnomah County Health Department convened the community open house with Portland Public Schools.
Experts from the Department of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Health Authority, the United States Forest Service, Health Department, Portland Public Schools and Neighbors for Clean Air held a two-hour open house in the cafeteria.
That was followed by more than three hours of questions and concerns at a formal presentation in the auditorium.
Jae Douglas, director of Environmental Health, moderated the exchange that centered on emissions from a local glass manufacturer, Bullseye Glass. Parents expressed concern about air and soil pollution and its effect on human health, neighborhood gardens and the community.
You can see a map of the affected area and read a Frequently Asked Questions from the DEQ here. More health information is available at the Oregon Health Authority.
View video of the Feb. 9 community open house on air quality in Southeast Portland