Kmart fire debris positive for asbestos, DEQ tells East Portland residents to avoid stirring it...

State public health officials are warning people to avoid stirring up the charred debris that has fallen in East Portland after Wednesday’s fire in a vacant Kmart building.

Some debris that fell in a Northeast Portland park has tested positive for asbestos, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Officials there said they’ve found debris and heavy dust from the fire in Luuwit View Park, on Parkrose School District property, and in area yards.

According to DEQ, asbestos can cause cancer and lung issues in people with long term exposure, but it’s also relatively common in the environment. Most people are exposed to some asbestos over the course of their lives and few have health problems from it.

The debris will look like ash, paper, or chunks, and easily crumbles into fibers that can be inhaled. People can protect themselves by avoiding it and keeping kids and pets away too.