The dynamics of the territories exposed to significant anthropogenic pollution by heavy metals (Kabardino-Balkar Republic) and oil products (Chechen Republic) were studied. The level of soil pollution and its genotoxic effect were determined during the intensive activity of the enterprises-sources of pollution, and 10-17 years after their liquidation. The level of soil contamination with heavy metals was determined using the method of X-ray fluorescence analysis, petroleum products by infrared spectroscopy and benz(a)pyrene by spectrofluorometric analysis at low temperatures. To determine the genotoxic effect of pollution we used plants naturally growing in the study areas (Taraxacum officinale Wigg. s.l.). We applied anaphase/telophase method in root meristem cells to identify the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. The level of mutations in plants in contaminated areas increased by 4.5-6.7 times during the work of enterprises. After the liquidation of enterprises, the level of pollution decreased. Mutation rate also declined but remained higher than in the clean zones by 3.3-3.5 times. Thus, it was found that, despite the decrease in soil contamination, the genotoxic effect persists.