Skip to content
Helios VR
Multi-purpose 3D content platform (BETA)
Menu
Main
Demo
Policy & Terms
Shared Assets
Projects
For developers
News
Members
Feedback
Contact
Log in
Preview of 3D Model
...
3D canvas
Animation 1
x
View at your device
Category
label
Artifact
No category selected
Site
Door
Decoration (Archaeology)
Artifact
Phossy jaw
Your browser does not support the video tag.
❮
❯
English
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
A+
A-
Phossy jaw, formally known as phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, was an occupational disease affecting those who worked with white phosphorus (also known as yellow phosphorus) without proper safeguards. It was most commonly seen in workers in the matchstick industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was caused by white phosphorus vapour, which destroys the bones of the jaw. Modern occupational hygiene practices have since eliminated the working conditions that caused this disease. Those with phossy jaw would usually begin suffering painful toothaches and swelling of the gums. The pain was characterized as "persistent yet progressive ... spreading to neighboring teeth and jawbone". Over time, pus formation developed penetrating the oral mucosa with the formation of fistula, teeth loss, and recurrent abscesses. Further progression led to the formation of sequestrum (dead bone that has separated from living bone) after three months and necrosis of the jaw within six months. The distinguishing feature of this disease was the eventual separation of the sequestrum which was described as porous and light in weight. The lower jaw was more commonly affected than the upper jaw.[3] Affected bones glowed a greenish-white colour in the dark. The condition also affected the brain, provoking seizures in some chronic cases. Treatments included topical antimicrobials, conservative debridement of sequestra and surgery. Surgical removal of the afflicted jaw bones could save the patient; otherwise, death from organ failure would follow. The disease was extremely painful and disfiguring to the patient, with dying bone tissue rotting away accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge. However, removal of the jaw bone had serious effects on patients' ability to eat, leading to further health concerns including malnutrition.
Το Phossy jaw, επίσημα γνωστό ως νέκρωση φωσφόρου της γνάθου, ήταν μια επαγγελματική ασθένεια που πλήττει αυτούς που δούλεψαν με τον λευκό φωσφόρο (επίσης γνωστός ως κίτρινος φωσφόρος) χωρίς κατάλληλες συνθήκες εργασίας.
Video-conference with the museum expert!
Call
Molecule Options
Chemical Type (e.g.: H2O)
Functional Group
Select a functional group
Select a functional group
None
Alcohol
Ketone
Fluid Options
Viscosity:
1 = Water like viscosity, bigger values mean thicker liquid.
Known Group
Select a known group
Select a known group
Alcohol
Ketone
Various
Select an IPR plan
label
No IPR category selected
No IPR category selected
Private
Shared Type A
Shared Type B
Shared Type C
Shared Type D
Shared Type E
visible only to me
visible to all
Author
Dimitrios Ververidis
Greece