A supermarket located above the Massachusetts Turnpike has reopened after health authorities investigated a possible asbestos release inside the store. 

The Newton Health and Human Services Department shut down the Star Market at 33 Austin St. in Newtonville at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. It was back open as of 10 a.m. Friday.

Department Commissioner Shin-Yi Lao said in a statement that demolition work inside the grocery store "may have resulted in the release of asbestos into the building which might result in an imminent health hazard." The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection investigated the extent of any possible contamination.

Demolition work may have released asbestos

The health department said on Friday that the demolition work was happening in a stockroom that was not accessible the public.

"The area of the stockroom where asbestos containing material was exposed has been completely sealed and contained," the department said in a statement.

Air samples taken in different parts of the supermarket were "well below clearance levels for asbestos," the department said, and surface samples did not detect asbestos at all. The Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to work with Star Market on taking "appropriate abatement measure in the stockroom."

"At Star Market, the safety of our stores is a top priority, and we take this matter seriously," a company spokesperson said in a statement to WBZ-TV Thursday. "We will continue to stay in close coordination with the Newton Health and Human Services Department as we work towards reopening the store."

Asbestos health risks

Asbestos refers to minerals that naturally form long, thin fibers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the tiny asbestos fibers can enter the lungs and increase the risk of developing cancer and other lung diseases.

The United States started to ban it in the 1970s, but it is still present in older buildings. The Star Market that spans Interstate 90 was built in 1960, according to Newton property records.

Any customers or workers who have been in Star Market and have questions can call the health department at 617-796-1420 or email starmarketquestions@newtonma.gov. 

"Hopefully it's nothing bad," one shopper outside the closed store Wednesday night said.