[The Ames test: application to smokers' urine].

The Ames test is a rapid and sensitive in vitro technique for detecting mutagens by using Salmonella typhimurium hypersensibilized strains. We applied this assay to the study of smoker's urine mutagenicity. Eighteen smokers and 18 non-smokers were investigated. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase of the smoker's urine mutagenicity. The Ames test could be used to determine the mutagenicity level of smokers. Moreover, the results suggest the applicability of the Ames test to urines of ex-smokers and passive smokers.