Newton Supermarket Reopens After Brief Asbestos Scare

NEWTON, MA — The Star Market on 33 Austin St. has reopened after a short-lived shutdown due to a health hazard, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller announced.

According to Newton’s Health and Human Services Commissioner Shin-Yi Lao, the Star Market that sits above the Mass Pike on 33 Austin St. had to be closed due to a potential asbestos breakout caused by recent demolition work.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection said that the area of the store’s stockroom where asbestos was present had been sealed and contained by Friday, Oct. 31. In addition, subsequent air and surface samples had safe results “well below” dangerous levels.

“The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to work with Star Market to undertake the appropriate abatement measures in the stockroom,” Fuller said in a statement. “The work will take place in a contained area so there is no risk to the public.”