[Epidemiologic study of chronic bronchitis in shipyard workers (selection of the most discriminating respiratory functional parameters)].

Out of 1106 subjects working in shipyards, either building or repairing, an epidemiological survey showed that 7.8% had chronic bronchitis. The ratio varied according to the age groups (4.1% to 9.4% from 35 to 55 years) and smoking habit (1.2% in non smokers against 13.6% in heavy smokers). The study of ventilatory parameters in 169 subjects taken at random showed that various tests (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, MMFR, RV, RV/TLC, V at 60% TLC, Raw, TCO) did not have a specific value. In an epidemiological study simple measures (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, MMFR) taken by strong plain apparatus would be enough.