Asbestos found in ash, debris from former NE Portland Kmart fire, Oregon DEQ says

State and local agencies are investigating possible health concerns from the ash that fell over Northeast Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood when a former Kmart building burned on Wednesday.

Some debris that fell at Luuwit View Park tested positive for asbestos, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) said.

They found more charred pieces and heavy dust from the fire in nearby yards and on Parkrose School District Property. The Parkrose School District canceled all outdoor school and rental activities on the Parkrose campus.

READ MORE | Portland Fire & Rescue responds to 4-alarm blaze at NE Portland Kmart

DEQ officials said they are working with city, county, state, and federal agencies to understand the spread of the contamination and the next steps of the cleanup process.

While the investigation is underway, DEQ offered the following safety tips:

• If possible, avoid areas that have ash or debris.
• If you are in an area with ash or debris, avoid contact with any debris that may contain asbestos. Debris will look like ash, paper, or chunks, and easily crumbles into fibers that can be inhaled. Do not touch, pick up, move, sweep, or vacuum any ash or debris that may have come from the fire.
• Keep children and pets away from ash and debris.
• Do not mow the grass or work in the garden if the area was potentially exposed.
• Gently soak ash and debris with water. This will keep it from becoming airborne; do not power wash.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is often found at low levels in some soils," DEQ said. "Asbestos was used widely in building materials throughout the last century. In people with long-term exposure, it has been found to cause cancer and lung-related health issues. Most people are exposed to some asbestos over the course of their lives and very few have any health problems because of it.

The Oregon Health Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, Multnomah County, and other city agencies are also taking part in the investigation.