The Multnomah County Health Department is issuing this news release to inform the public about potential exposure to asbestos fibers from collecting some items that were offered for free at the intersection of S.E. 17th Ave. and S.E. Clatsop St. earlier this summer.

On Aug. 5, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 received information concerning possible asbestos exposure from roofing renovations that occurred the week of July 13 and the week of July 20, in the Sellwood neighborhood at 8524 S.E. 17th Ave., Portland (the former building that Slow Pour Coffee & Bar had been leasing).

As a result of the renovations, dust and debris fell onto interior furniture and belongings within the business. On July 16 and July 18-26, dust containing asbestos may have fallen on customers who were in the cafe at the time. EPA subsequently confirmed the presence of asbestos within the dust and debris.

Due to the short exposure time, health officials do not see a significant health risk. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) nonetheless recommends washing soft items like backpacks and the clothes patrons wore in the coffee shop that day. Non-machine-washable items that have a smooth surface, like a leather purse, can be wiped off with a wet paper towel. The towel should then be sealed in two plastic bags.

From Aug. 8-11 2025, the building owner placed asbestos-contaminated furniture and belongings at S.E. 17th Ave. and S.E. Clatsop St. and advertised them to the public as free to pick-up through signage and various social media postings. Officials are aware that furniture and belongings were taken.

“We are asking for the community’s help to get information out to people who may have taken exposed items home,” said Multnomah County Environmental Health Services Director Andrea Hamberg. “If you took something home, please take caution when handling the items.”

Please be aware if you took furniture or belongings from the intersection of S.E. 17th Ave. and S.E. Clatsop St. from Aug. 8-11, 2025, those items may be contaminated with asbestos dust, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and EPA both urge caution when handling. The furniture of most concern is upholstered, soft or cloth-covered.

EPA, DEQ and OHA have provided the following recommendations:

Take photos of the item.
If the item is small, remove the item from your living or working areas to an outdoor location where people, especially children, and pets will not have access, taking the following steps:
- Use disposable gloves and a disposable N95 or similar mask, or a respirator.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the item with plain water; this will keep the dust from going into the air and becoming breathable.
- If the item is small enough to fit in a plastic bag, place the item in the bag, seal it, and then place it in another plastic bag along with the gloves and mask.
- Then dispose of the sealed items in your trash outside.
If the item is large and inside your living or work areas, take the following steps:
- Use disposable gloves and a disposable N95 or similar mask, or a respirator.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the item with plain water; this will keep the dust from going into the air and becoming breathable.
- Then move the item outside, where it can be hosed down and kept wet (either by rain or repeated wetting with a spray bottle, hose or bucket).
- Make sure people and pets cannot get to the item. Place it outside on the side of your house — we recommend it not be placed on the curb so that others do not come and take the furniture. If you do not have a secure outdoor location, please contact DEQ as soon as possible and move it to a dumpster area or a lower trafficked area and label the item as toxic and not to be taken.
If the item is large and outside, take the following steps:
- Wet the item thoroughly, and keep it wet (either by rain or repeated wetting with a spray bottle, hose or bucket).
- Make sure people and pets cannot get to the item. Place on the side of your house – we recommend it not be placed on the curb so that others do not come by and take the furniture.

DEQ is arranging a contractor to pick up these items. Contact DEQ at deq.nwrasbestos@deq.oregon.gov and include photos of the items, or with questions about safe handling and disposal.

Asbestos exposure and your health

Asbestos is a mineral fiber. When inhaled as dust over many years, it can increase the risk of cancers of the lung and lining of the lung.

Asbestos mainly affects the lungs and the lining that surrounds the lungs. Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time may result in scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the lung lining. This disease is called asbestosis and is found in workers who are frequently exposed to asbestos.

It is known that breathing asbestos over many years can increase the risk of cancer in people. There are two types of cancer caused by long-term exposure to asbestos: lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lung or abdominal cavity. Cancer from asbestos generally does not develop immediately, but shows up after several years.

For more information about asbestos and health see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s ToxFAQs in English and Spanish.

If you have health questions regarding asbestos, please contact OHA: ehap.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 971-673-0440.

Source: Multnomah County Health Department

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