Portland Gas Explosion: Asbestos Found in Debris

As if having a gas explosion destroy one building, badly damage another, and cause damage throughout the neighborhood wasn't bad enough, those Northwest 23rd have been told that asbestos was found in the debris.

The state's Department of Environment Quality said Friday that the material had been found in the roofing material of the building that once housed Portland Bagel Works. As a result, they have ordered a halt to work on the site until abatement can be done.

"Lab results have shown that a sample of roofing material tested positive for chrysotile asbestos at 35 percent by weight," DEQ said in a statement. "In coordination with the ongoing investigation, a licensed asbestos abetment contractor will remove the asbestos containing debris and dispose of it properly over the coming week."

While abatement had been done on the building in 1990, it's not known what or how much had been removed and what was left.

Photo Portland Fire & Rescue