Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) causes lymphoma, leukemia, brain and lung tumors, liver angiosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lymphoma, and chronic liver disease. Vinyl chloride may irritate the mucous membranes, respiratory system, and eyes. Pressurized gas or liquid escaping could cause frostbite or irritation in the eyes and skin. The skin and bones of the hand may change as a result of repeated exposure, which may also cause liver cancer and irreversible liver damage.
Vinyl chloride has been classified as a Category 1A carcinogen according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) as it has been shown to cause cancer in humans.