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Star Market over the Pike shut down after possible asbestos exposure
Newton health officials say demolition work may have released asbestos into the building, creating a potential health risk.
The Star Market perched above the Massachusetts Turnpike in Newton abruptly closed Tuesday after health officials said demolition work inside the supermarket may have released asbestos, creating an “imminent health hazard.”
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection notified the Newtown Health and Human Services Department of the situation on Tuesday. The health department ordered the store at 33 Austin St. to shut down around 4:30 p.m. the same day.
An investigation into possible asbestos contamination is now underway, officials said.
According to the department, the store will remain closed until MassDEP determines whether asbestos was released — and, if so, until it is removed or properly contained.
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“At Star Market, the safety of our stores is a top priority, and we take this matter seriously,” a supermarket spokesperson wrote in a statement.
The spokesperson said that Star Market is continuing to work with Newton to address the matter and is working toward reopening the store.
The supermarket did not provide a timeline or details on the construction.
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