Pregnant women and children living near the fire-ravaged cathedral have been urged to take blood tests for lead contamination. The warning comes after a child living in central Paris was found to have excessive levels of the substance in his blood. French officials say that the blaze, which destroyed the cathedral last month, released toxic matter. Related articles Furious Parisians react to Notre Dame reconstruction plans of Macron Notre Dame STILL ‘NOT SAFE’: Engineer says cathedral risks COLLAPSE This is a significantly starker warning than the one issued shortly after the April 15 fire, in which police claimed the lead exposure threat was “extremely localised”. People living near the 800-year-old cathedral were told: “It is recommended that residents in the immediate vicinity of Notre Dame proceed to clean their home or premises and their furniture and other items, using wet wipes to eliminate any dust.” Environmental group Robin des Bois were calling for the authorities to act days after the fire, saying: "Before launching a competition for the design of a new steeple, we should launch a competition to decontaminate what at the moment, alas, can be considered an industrial wasteland. The famous cathedral was destroyed in the blaze in April (Image: GETTY) The world was left devestated at the landmark's collapse (Image: GETTY) "For several months or even years, residents and people within the affected perimeter may inhale lead dust without knowing it.” As a toxic metal, lead is particularly harmful to young children, according to the World Health Organisation. On May 9, a police statement confirmed the presence of lead dust in the immediate neighbourhood of Notre Dame. Much of the interior was damaged in the fire (Image: GETTY) The spire was completely destroyed (Image: GETTY) But having failed to take action until now, there are fears that the inactivity of the Paris authorities have put young lives at risk. The Notre Dame fire saw the destruction of the building’s spire and most of its roof alongside heavy damage to the building’s interior. President Macron has pledged to rebuild the landmark within five years – in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility