A peculiar feature of phosphorus-poisoning is necrosis of the
jaw. This affection was first noticed in 1838, soon after the
introduction of the manufacture of phosphorous matches. In late
years, owing to the introduction of precautions in their
manufacture, the disease has become much less common. The tipping
of the match sticks is accomplished by dipping their ends in a
warm solution of a composition of phosphorus, chlorate of
potassium, with particles of ground flint to assist friction,
some coloring agent, and Irish glue. From the contents of the
dipping-pans fumes constantly arise into the faces of the workmen
and dippers, and in cutting the sticks and packing the matches
the hands are constantly in contact with phosphorus. The region
chiefly affected in this poisoning is the jaw-bone, but the
inflammation may spread to the adjoining bones and involve the
vomer, the zygoma, the body of the spheroid bone, and the basilar
process of the occipital bone. It is supposed that conditions in
which the periosteum is exposed are favorable to the progress of
the disease, and, according to Hirt, workmen with diseased teeth
are affected three times as readily as those with healthy teeth,
and are therefore carefully excluded from some of the factories
in America.
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