05 December 2024, 12:44 PM IST
Notre Dame Cathedral’s five-year reconstruction is nearing completion, marked by miraculous recoveries and controversies. As the official reopening approaches, key moments from the restoration process highlight both triumphs and challenges.
Lead contamination and health concerns
The fire caused significant damage to Notre Dame's roof and spire, which were covered in approximately 400 tonnes of lead. The intense heat melted the lead, causing it to vaporize and potentially pollute the surrounding area. Authorities were forced to clean nearby schools and advise local residents to wipe surfaces to prevent lead poisoning.
In 2022, a health charity, along with parents and a union, filed a criminal complaint, accusing authorities of failing to take adequate precautions against the contamination. An investigation is underway to determine whether negligence occurred, with charges possible if any party is found responsible for the health risks to residents and workers.
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