[en] Radiolysis of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers (PVA) in the presence of chloroform and carbon tetrachloride was investigated. Decrease in intrinsic viscosity was observed at lower dosages (up to 2.3 megarads); and above this, an increase was noted. The blank samples irradiated under similar conditions showed a continuous decrease in intrinsic viscosity. A discoloration in the samples irradiated in the presence of CCl₄ and CHCl₃ was also observed. It is attributed to double bond formation in the backbone. A marginal decrease in the tensile strength of the irradiated fibers was observed. However, the surface characteristics of the fibers did not change on irradiation. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed a better heat resistance in irradiated fibers