What is Phossy Jaw?
Phossy jaw was a disfiguring ailment caused by poor working conditions in the 19th century. The condition was most frequently caused by exposure to white phosphorus, hence the name, although other chemicals have been known to cause similar conditions. Because phossy jaw was such a visible and obviously painful disease, it became a rallying point for advocates for workers’ rights and better regulation of working conditions, ultimately leading to increased labor regulation and the formation of government agencies to enforce these regulations. More formally, phossy jaw is known as phosphorus necrosis of the jaw. It was caused by prolonged exposure to white phosphorus fumes, which were particularly associated with the match matching trade in the 19th century. At the time, other forms of phosphorus had been discovered and proved equally effective, but white phosphorus was cheap and readily available, so match companies continued using it despite the obvious health risks. As the patient was
