Star Market in Newtonville has been closed due to asbestos, according to a note posted at the store’s entrance.

The sign reads that the store was closed due to an “imminent health hazard” and all operations at the store must stop.

Under the health hazard details, the word “asbestos” is written.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection contacted the Newton Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday to alert city officials that demolition work inside Star Market may have released asbestos into the building, according to Newton Public Health and Human Services Commissioner Shin-Yi Lao.

The city closed the store at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday to allow DEP workers to investigate.

“Newton Health and Human Services is staying in close communication with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection,” Lao said. “Star Market will only be allowed to reopen when and if any asbestos is found, is removed, and/or contained.”

Anyone who was inside the Star Market building  this week with questions or concerns is asked to contact the Newton Health and Human Services Department at (617) 796-1420 or starmarketquestions@newtonma.gov.

Asbestos is a fibrous, toxic material found in nature that was used industrially from the mid-19^th century in construction and fireproofing. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and other serious health problems, and most forms of asbestos have been banned in the United States since the 1980s.

Star Market has been in Newtonville since 1930. It was the second Star Market built, the first being in Watertown.