PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and other agencies are responding to an asbestos exposure issue at the Trader Joe’s store at 4715 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. in Portland.

At DEQ’s request, Trader Joe’s closed the store to employees and customers, which was completed at approximately 5 p.m. this evening. The store will remain closed until the asbestos is fully decontaminated

Agencies are collecting details and will release more information tomorrow morning.

Health officials from the Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County Health Department believe the risk of harm to public health is low due to the short exposure time.

Agencies further investigating this issue include DEQ, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health and the Multnomah County Health Department.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael Loch, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
michael.loch@deq.oregon.gov

Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division
phd.communications@oha.oregon.gov

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