The fire raised many questions about “ the levels of impregnation of children living around ” of Notre-Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. Finally, the news is reassuring, there is no “No significant increase in child blood lead levels », Communicated the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
No correlation between blood lead level and fire
The screenings were carried out between 33 and 214 days after part of the cathedral burned down. Thus, 1,200 children from the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissements were tested and 13 cases of lead poisoning (blood lead levels greater than or equal to 50 µg / L) were detected. Nevertheless, “No source directly linked to the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral had been able to be identified,” indicates the ARS, which adds that “the sources of lead identified are those usually found in the old Parisian housing with a high frequency of laminated lead coverings on the balconies or terraces of housing (10/13 cases) “.
Anne Etchevers, epidemiologist at Public Health France takes the opportunity through the press release to warn about the risks of exposure to lead in young children. “The identification of these 13 cases of lead poisoning encourages the strengthening of the mobilization of health professionals to the “usual” screening of lead poisoning in all districts of Paris ”, she suggested.
