Stirring Controversy in Paris - The lead-coated Notre Dame roof: Parisians raise concerns against President Macron's restoration plans
It seems too perfect if everything went as smoothly as expected. With exactly one year left before Notre-Dame, the Parisian landmark destroyed by the April 2019 inferno and scheduled for reopening on December 8, 2024, calls for a halt to construction work are increasing. The reason: the restoration of the lead-coated roof that had almost completely disintegrated during the fire, expected to commence in the first few months of next year.
On the eve of President Emmanuel Macron's planned visit to the construction site on Friday, protests against using lead for the cathedral's rooftop resurfaced. The President's visit will surely encounter criticism and discontentment from those advocating against the use of lead.
Senator Anne Souyris, a former deputy mayor of Paris, responsible for health concerns, tweeted her concerns on November 30, 2023. She claimed that no health impact studies related to the use of more than 500 tons of lead for Notre-Dame have been conducted by the French government. Consequently, she joined environmental and health groups in calling for a protest on the cathedral's forecourt, imploring for work to halt.
J'ai demandé au Gouvernement la suspension du chantier de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
Aucune évaluation des risques sanitaires de l'installation de plus de 500 tonnes de plomb sur la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris n'a été conduite par l'Etat.
Pourtant, le plomb tue 5... [pic.twitter.com/x2sDci6pwC](https://t.co/x2sDci6pwC)
— Anne Souyris (@annesouyris) []
Health concerns about the construction have been a concern since January 2021, when the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office started a judicial investigation for "endangering others." Concerns were particularly intense in connection with water runoff. In a statement issued in January 2021, the High Council of Public Health estimated that Notre-Dame's roof, made of 1326 panels, would emit around 21 kilograms of lead per year in drainage water[1].
"Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris," the public institution responsible for the restoration of the cathedral under state supervision, says they have investigated the lead issue meticulously. The Chief Executive, Philippe Jost, reassured French press that the cathedral would implement an "innovative environmental progress approach" to reduce pollution from rainwater runoff on the roofs. Additionally, the building's fire protection system has also been evaluated and optimized[1]. The Elysée Palace further confirmed that all precautionary measures were in place, and "Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris" will maintain communication with environmental and health groups. Nonetheless, the need to interrupt construction work was deemed unnecessary.
Yet, despite health concerns and protests against using lead, Macron remains committed to the decision, just as he did 15 months after the devastating fire that released over 400 tons of lead[1].
Also Read:
- In the face of substantial health concerns and ongoing protests, Emmanuel Macron remains steadfast in his decision to use lead for Notre-Dame de Paris's roof reconstruction.
- Anne Souyris, a former deputy mayor of Paris responsible for health, has prompted attention towards the government's inaction on evaluating health risks associated with the use of lead in Notre-Dame's restoration.
- The restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris, under the supervision of "Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris," has introduced innovative measures to minimize the environmental impact, such as modernizing fire safety systems and rainwater management.
- Concerns related to lead use in the restoration resulted in a legal battle in April 2023 when families and associations filed a lawsuite due to reported health risks, which prompted a judicial investigation into "endangering others" by the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office.
- Despite the recognized risks associated with lead, France's leader, Emmanuel Macron, elected to rebuild the cathedral, including a roof made of solid oak wood and lead ornaments, just 15 months after the fire that released hazardous lead particles.
Source:
[1] Enrichment Data: The evolving controversy revolves around the health risks associated with using lead for Notre-Dame's roof restoration. Key focal points include:
- Historical significance: The decision to use lead for the restoration was based on preserving the cathedral's historical appearance and integrity[2][3].
- Health impact: Lead, a known toxic substance, can pose serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women[2][3]. The lead sheets weigh around 300 tons, representing a significant source of potential lead exposure.
- Regulatory measures: Authorities have taken steps to minimize the associated risks, such as implementing proper handling and application methods for the lead, including ventilation and protective equipment for workers[2].
- Innovative enhancements: Modern enhancements had been incorporated in the restoration process, such as utilizing advanced fireproofing techniques and installing sensors to monitor heat and smoke in the roof and vaults to prevent extensive repairs and reduce potential lead exposure[2][3].
- Public awareness: Education campaigns and guidelines for visitors have been initiated to raise awareness about the use of lead in the restoration and associated risks, thereby minimizing visitors' exposure to lead[2].
