Malignant tumors after chronic exposure to vinyl chloride.

Correlations between exposure to vinyl chloride and the development of malignant tumors in the liver have been know since 1974 and have been confirmed by many an experimental investigation. Based on the evaluation of mortality statistics from nine different countries an increased incidence of malignant tumors of the lung, the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system (CNS), and of malignant lymphomas is documented in connection with exposure to vinyl chloride. Statistically significant increases, however, are only found in the incidence of malignant liver tumors. Metabolism and toxicology of vinyl chloride are discussed in detail.