Radium jaw

Radium Jaw

Radium jaw is a term used to describe a medical condition that was prevalent among workers in the radium dial painting industry during the early 20th century. This condition is characterized by severe bone decay in the jaw, and is caused by prolonged exposure to radium.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈreɪdiəm dʒɔː/

Etymology

The term "radium jaw" is derived from the element radium, which was used in the dial painting industry, and "jaw", referring to the part of the body most affected by this condition.

Symptoms

The symptoms of radium jaw include severe toothaches, tooth loss, and necrosis of the jawbone. In severe cases, it can lead to anemia, fractures, and necrosis of the jaw.

Cause

Radium jaw is caused by the ingestion or inhalation of radium, a radioactive element. The radium is absorbed by the bones and causes damage to the bone tissue, leading to the symptoms of radium jaw.

History

Radium jaw was first observed in the early 20th century among workers in the radium dial painting industry. These workers, often young women known as the "Radium Girls", would ingest small amounts of radium by licking their paintbrushes to maintain a fine point. Over time, this led to the development of radium jaw and other health problems.

Related Terms

• Radium Girls
• Radium poisoning
• Occupational disease
• Radiation sickness

See Also

• Radium
• Occupational health
• Radiation

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Radium jaw
• Wikipedia's article - Radium jaw

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