On October 28, 2025, a popular grocery store in Massachusetts closed their doors to shoppers over an “imminent health hazard.” The health hazard? Asbestos.
Demolition work inside the Star Market in Newton may have disturbed and released asbestos fibers, which can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The city’s Health & Human Services Department ordered all operations at the grocery store to stop, causing residents to worry about the possibility of asbestos exposure and the hidden dangers still present in older buildings across the state.
Newton Star Market reopened on October 31, after workers sealed and contained the area where asbestos was found. There is no further risk to the public at this time.
As a mesothelioma law firm with an office in nearby Chestnut Hill, Sokolove Law understands the concerns raised by the community. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact our team now for help pursuing the justice you deserve.
Concerns of Asbestos in Star Market
The Star Market at 33 Austin St. in the Newtonville neighborhood has been a long-standing fixture in the community since 1930. It was the second Star Market ever built, following the original location in Watertown.
After the store began undergoing interior demolition work, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) notified Newton’s Health and Human Services Department about the presence of asbestos.
Director Shin-Ye Lau noted that “Star Market will only be allowed to reopen when and if any asbestos is found, is removed, and/or contained.”
On October 31, MassDEP provided an update to the city:
- The stockroom where asbestos was found was fully sealed off to prevent any further risk
- Air quality tests from multiple areas of the store showed asbestos levels that were well below safety limits
- Surface tests throughout the store didn't detect asbestos
The store was reopened to the public that same day. Anyone with questions or concerns about asbestos exposure has been asked to contact the city’s Health and Human Services Department.
Asbestos & Mesothelioma in Massachusetts
The closure of the Star Market in Newton is a reminder that asbestos remains a serious public health concern across Massachusetts.
The state is home to over 3,100 sites linked to asbestos, including industrial facilities, naval shipyards, hospitals, and universities. From 2018 to 2022, at least 358 new cases of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos, were reported in Massachusetts.
It’s estimated that there are more asbestos-related deaths in Middlesex County than in any other county in the state, according to the EWG Action Fund. Middlesex County sees an average of 97 asbestos-related deaths per year.
At Sokolove Law, we have more than 45 years of experience fighting for Massachusetts residents impacted by asbestos-related diseases.
We’ve secured over $800 Million total for families in the state, including results such as $9.3 Million for the family of a U.S. Navy veteran who passed away from mesothelioma.
The Threat of Asbestos in Old Buildings
Throughout much of the 20th century, many homes and buildings were constructed with asbestos-containing materials. The mineral was praised for its low cost, durability, and resistance to heat.
At the time, the serious health risks of asbestos weren’t widely known to the public. As a result, construction workers, drywallers, and other tradespeople facing a high risk of exposure often handled asbestos materials without protective gear.
The risk of asbestos exposure continues today. When old structures like Star Market are renovated or demolished, tiny asbestos fibers may be released into the air.
If breathed in or swallowed, these fibers can irritate healthy tissue in the body and potentially cause asbestos-related illnesses to develop 20-50 years after exposure.
Sokolove Law: Fighting for Asbestos-Related Disease Victims
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, Sokolove Law is here for you. We were founded in Newton's backyard and take the safety of our local community seriously.
Our asbestos exposure lawyers have helped thousands of families secure justice and compensation from the companies responsible for their exposures.
To date, we’ve secured over $5.7 Billion total for clients with asbestos-related diseases.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form now to find out if we may be able to help your family. It costs nothing to speak with us.
