In this study, we analysed the ethanol-induced long term cell injury on a general cell model (Sp2/0-Ag14 cell line). Cells were incubated in 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of ethanol (EtOH) for 5<space>min. After washing cell viability was tested by the Trypan Blue exclusion test in 5, 60<space>min, 4 and 24<space>h after EtOH exposure. Free radicals were monitored every 30<space>min by electron spin resonance (ESR) with alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) spin trapping technique. Scavenger compounds such as glutathione (GSH), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) were applied for 24<space>h incubation after EtOH exposure. EtOH concentration dependently decreased the cell viability immediately after 5<space>min exposure, but with 4 and 24<space>h, a secondary cell destruction was found. Using ESR-spin trapping technique, an increased free radical activity could be detected. DMPO, DMSO and GSH significantly, but in different period protected the cells against free-radical induced cellular damage. EtOH produces an early (immediately after EtOH exposure) and a late (in about 4<space>h) cellular damage on Sp2/0-Ag14 cells. The oxygen free radicals can be detected in a short time after EtOH exposure, its biological effect manifested as a secondary cell destruction at 4 and 24<space>h. This phenomenon can be prevented by scavenger compounds.