#asbestos

#asbestos

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.

Inspectors say the asbestos was contained in a sealed stockroom and posed no risk to shoppers. The Star Market perched above the Massachusetts Turnpike reopened Friday, three days after health officials abruptly shut it down due to an asbestos scare. In a statement, the Newton Health and Human Services Department said it initially closed the grocery store at 33 Austin St. after the Mass DEP notified them that demolition work in a stockroom may have released asbestos into the building.

Garvins said tests conducted at the post office, located at 2510 Monterey St., showed no asbestos-containing materials were located within the air duct systems or areas occupied by workers and visitors. But because other parts of the building tested positive for asbestos contamination, Garvins said, the building was temporarily shut down and services were relocated elsewhere. Testing concluded Aug. 15.

Politicians have neglected their responsibilities regarding the significant issue involving the bonfire situation that poses risks due to the proximity of asbestos and a substation.

Benefield remembered the white dust that covered her father's clothes when he got home from work, and she learned later that the whole family had been exposed to asbestos.

Last year the Environmental Protection Agency, under President Joseph R. Biden, adopted a ban on the use, manufacture and import of chrysotile asbestos.