Jaw - Phossy

In the 19th century, workers using white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches suffered a condition known as phossy jaw - one of the most frightful occupational diseases known. It began with tooth ache and painful swelling of the gums and jaw. Abscesses formed, accompanied by a fetid discharge which made its victims almost unendurable. The victims' jawbones would literally rot and glow greenish-white in the dark. The only treatment was for the jawbone to be removed surgically, an agonising and disfiguring operation. White phosphorus was eventually oulawed in matches, being replaced by red phosphorus which is harmless.

In Great Britain, the Salvation Army campaigned on behalf of the match workers and set up its own model match factory, employing 120 workers. Their matches, tipped with harmless red phosphorus, were sold under the brand-name 'Lights in Darkest England'.