The fire caused a reported 440 tonnes of lead inside the 850-year old roof to melt leading to toxic debris spreading throughout the area. Clean-up was halted for some weeks last summer while air quality and toxic dust was dealt with. Workers at the site have had to undergo strict protection measures such as multiple showers and stripping down to paper underwear to ensure that they can continue the clean-up in a safe manner. 

 

The site will continue to be monitored and cleaned regularly in order to protect the health of the public, with samples being taken for analysis.

 

French president Emmanuel Macron set a five-year goal for the reopening of the cathedral after the fire destroyed its spire and a large part of the roof. The cathedral is still closed as internal and external work is being carried out.