In addition to endemic diseases and epidemic outbreaks, such as smallpox
and cholera, occupational hazards were also commonplace. In Worcester,
these were related to the manufacture of pottery and leather. These
occupations led to common complaints of bronchitis, tuberculosis, rheumatic
conditions, lead poisoning and anaemia as well as an increased exposure
to silica, produced suring the baking of china, leading to 'Potter's
Rot' or Silicosis. Evidence of lung inflammation was seen in the human
remains in the form of lesions on rib surfaces and was the most common
type of pathology recorded amongst the population of St. Andrew's.
Evidence was also found for rickets amongst the adult and juvenile skeletal material. This is a metabolic condition caused by a lack of vitamin D (required for adequate mineralisation of bone) and can be the result of a lack of exposure to sunlight. It is generally considered to be a disease of childhood, though its effects can be seen in adult bones if they have been unable to fully heal. Long bones, especially the legs, become bowed and angulated at the joints. Higher rates of this disease are found in urban populations living through the Industrial Revolution due to atmospheric pollution. Although Worcester is a small city, it is clear that rickets was also a prevalent disease here.