Chromium can exist in oxidation states ranging from -2 to +6, but is most commonly found in the trivalent (Cr III) and hexavalent (Cr VI) oxidation states. These two forms (Cr III and Cr VI) are the most significant because the other forms are unstable and are rapidly converted to Cr III, which is in turn oxidized to Cr VI [1]. Cr VI is more toxic than Cr III due to its high oxidizing potential and its ability to easily penetrate biological membranes. All chromium VI compounds are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). They are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among workers in certain industries, as well as cancers of the nose and nasal sinuses. Several Cr VI derivatives, such as chromium trioxide and zinc chromates, are also classified as carcinogens (Group 1A) by the European Union (CLP), mutagens (Class 1B), and toxic to reproduction (category 1A) [2, 3]. In France, the National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) made it possible to estimate, for the first time in the general population, the levels of total chromium exposure among adults living in mainland France in 2006 and 2007. In 2011, the perinatal component of the National Biomonitoring Program (ELFE) provided data on total chromium exposure levels among pregnant women in France. Furthermore, French studies had examined occupational exposure to chromium in certain industries [4, 5]. However, no study to date had measured total chromium in the population of children living in France. The results obtained through the Esteban cross-sectional study (Health Study on the Environment, Biomonitoring, Physical Activity, and Nutrition) thus make it possible for the first time to measure urinary total chromium levels in the population of children living in mainland France aged 6 to 17 years, and to provide a new estimate of this exposure for adults up to 74 years of age, between April 2014 and March 2016. Chromium was widely quantified in both children (99.9%) and adults (97.7%). The geometric means of total urinary chromium were 1.12 µg L⁻¹ (1.11 µg g⁻¹ of creatinine) and 0.58 µg L⁻¹ (0.77 µg g⁻¹ of creatinine) in children and adults, respectively. The investigation of exposure determinants showed a decrease in chromium levels with age (-18%) in children, and a tendency toward an increase with the consumption of bread and bread products. In adults, the presence of metal orthopedic implants and fish consumption increased urinary total chromium levels by 32% and 4%, respectively. In the French population in 2014–2016, urinary chromium concentrations were higher than those found in European studies. The levels measured in adults in the Esteban study were higher than those measured in the ENNS study 10 years earlier. In children, the Esteban study provided an initial description of chromium concentrations in the population, which will be useful for studying temporal trends in future biomonitoring surveys.