Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral lymphocytes in groups of workers employed in rotogravure printing plants has shown increased exposure to genotoxic chemicals. The printers were simultaneously exposed to toluene and rotogravure inks. The study investigated, whether the chromosomal aberrations are due to exposure to toluene or rotogravure inks (soot, pigments). The dry matters of all the four basic shades were analyzed for the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatography. None of the substances contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons known to be carcinogenic. The values of 1-hydroxypyrene in the urine of 19 printers were not significantly different from values in the control group. All examinations of free 3-hydroxyben- zo(a)pyrene in the urine of exposed and control groups, respectively, were below the limit of detection. The results are in agreement with the analysis of rotogravure inks and give no indication of a participation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in increased exposure to genotoxic chemicals in the rotogravure printing.

        Key words: rotogravure printing, rotogravure inks, toluene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, genotoxicityv