[Chronic non-specific disease of the respiratory system and measurable alterations in workers in the chromium-plating industry (author's transl)].

Lung function test performed on 26 chromium plating workers showed a high prevalence of obstructive disease and of change in DLCO. The connection between lung function impairment and occupational exposure to chromium is suggested by the relationship between respiratory changes and biological indices of chromium absorption. The prevalence and the severity of ventilatory impairment also show an increasing trend with the duration of the exposure, while the smoking habitus seems not to be important.