Background. The level and range of chromosomal aberrations in inhabitants of Kemerovo, a large industrial center of Western Siberia, were studied in two time periods: from 1986 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2012. Materials and methods. Total of 668 inhabitants were examined for chromosomal aberrations in their blood lymphocytes: 333 in the first time period and 335 in the second one. Official data on emission of air pollutants in Kemerovo, obtained by the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Kemerovo region in the period from 1986 to 2012, were also analyzed.Results. We found that frequency of aberrations among residents in Kemerovo was lower in 2000s as compared to the previous time period studied, which is consistent with reduced emission of pollutants into the air in Kemerovo. The new value of the background level of chromosomal aberrations in Kemerovo residents not contacting industrial genotoxicants was established at 1.48 ± 0.08% and can be used in further genetic and ecological studies. Conclusion. Obtained results confirm coherence of environmental pollution and mutagenesis in populations of industrial cities.