The presence of structural chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchange frequencies (SCE) were studied in lymphocytes from 28 male subjects occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride monomer for a period of 9 years. A significant increase in chromosomal damages and elevated SCE frequencies was detected during the third and fourth year of the follow-up study. During the last 2 years, all examined parameters are approaching control values. This is a result of decreasing vinyl chloride monomer concentrations in the working environment without interrupting the working process.