environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for organic solvents at five small printing shops (sic-2751) in the boston, massachusetts and denton, maryland areas. the evaluation was requested by the union because of complaints of headache, nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms among silk screen printing workers nineteen exposed and four unexposed workers were interviewed. urine samples were obtained and analyzed for methyl-hippuric-acid (2198643) and hippuric-acid (495692), metabolites of xylene (1330207) and toluene (108883). exposed workers reported a prevalence of symptoms such as headache, trouble remembering, and disorientation. these did not differ significantly, however, from the prevalence of such symptoms among the unexposed workers. the authors conclude that a potential health hazard due to solvent exposures at the facilities exists. recommendations include using gloves to reduce skin exposure and performing environmental and medical monitoring