Question

What is Phossy Jaw?

Answer 1

Phossy Jaw

• A person working with a dangerous level of white phosphorus $({\mathrm{P}}_4)$ develops a disease known as phossy jaw in which jaw bones decay.
• It is an oral (related to mouth) and occupational (related to work)disease.
• White phosphorous is one of the allotropes of Phosphorus elements and is toxic in nature.
• White Phosphorous is translucent in appearance like a white waxy solid

Symptoms

• Those with phossy jaws would usually begin with painful toothaches and swelling of the gums.
• The lower jaw was more commonly affected than the upper jaw.