An Historical Review of “Phossy-Jaw”

The aim of this article is to stimulate interest and discussion on the pathogenesis of “phossy-jaw”. Historical evidence from newspapers and articles of the time is presented as other scientific evidence is largely absent. It has stimulated considerable interest in the present-day media due to the struggles of nineteenth century reformers to improve working conditions against an apathetic government and weak enforcement of regulation. Those afflicted were often young women who suffered severe pain, loss of segments of jaw and disfigurement.