Warnings on lead in dust released during Notre Dame fire

An image showing people watch the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral burning in central Paris on April 15, 2019

Source: © Nicolas Liponne/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Hundreds of tonnes of lead are thought to have melted in the blaze that consumed the iconic cathedral

Police in Paris have warned people living near Notre Dame Cathedral about possible lead contamination in the aftermath of the fire that destroyed the landmark’s roof and spire two weeks ago.

Hundreds of tonnes of lead from the building’s structure are thought to have melted during the blaze, and police say particles of the metal may be present in the resulting dust and debris deposited on nearby surfaces.