Palytoxin

[torchreefer]

Can palytoxins collect on a reef mat and be inhaled. Is that possible?

 

[exnisstech]

No.

EDIT; I supposed if you're ripping them off rocks or something like that there may be a remote possibility but I seriously doubt it. They don't just randomly release toxin into the water.

 

[timmyrules]

They’ll only go into the air if they’re boiled, and you inhale the steam.

Can palytoxins collect on a reef mat and be inhaled. Is that possible?

 

[torchreefer]

Ok so no risk of them building up in water column and be taken out by reef mat

 

[formallydehyde]

IIRC palytoxin has a pretty short half life in solution above pH 7 (like in normal salt water that's usually 7.8 at the absolute lowest) so it doesn't really accumulate on tank surfaces.

 

[torchreefer]

No.

EDIT; I supposed if you're ripping them off rocks or something like that there may be a remote possibility but I seriously doubt it. They don't just randomly release toxin into the wa

So they don't just release and can be exposed through top of tank either?

 

[exnisstech]

No not at all. The toxin is real but unless your pulling them off rocks or smashing them or something like that it nothing to worry about. Always wash your hands after handling them and never touch your face. Wearing PPE is advised.
Washing your hands before and after working in the tank is a good habbit to get into even without palys. I've kept paly grandis and bright green ones as well as the brown ones for years. The Internet has a way of exaggerating things.

Oh and as mentioned don't boil rock with them tho I would never boil any rock but some folks have.

EDIT: I've pulled hundreds when I had them on a back wall and the toxin had no adverse affects on any tank inhabitants but running carbon is a good idea.

These are just two of the groups I've kept.

 

[BeanAnimal]

They’ll only go into the air if they’re boiled, and you inhale the steam.

Not true. Palytoxin can be aerosolized by various means.

 

[BeanAnimal]

So they don't just release and can be exposed through top of tank either?

If you damage them in the water and toxin is released into the water, then yes it could be released into the air by various means. None of us can guess at the concentration or effects.

I get sick breathing the air in my fish room when I irritate the palythoa in my tank.

 

[VintageReefer]

I get sick breathing the air in my fish room when I irritate the palythoa in my tank

What is defined as sick in your prior experience? Is it possible it’s coincidental

 

[VintageReefer]

Not true. Palytoxin can be aerosolized by various means.

To make a liquid an aerosol it typically would need to be baked, boiled or vaporized in some way

 

[torchreefer]

No not at all. The toxin is real but unless your pulling them off rocks or smashing them or something like that it nothing to worry about. Always wash your hands after handling them and never touch your face. Wearing PPE is advised.
Washing your hands before and after working in the tank is a good habbit to get into even without palys. I've kept paly grandis and bright green ones as well as the brown ones for years. The Internet has a way of exaggerating things.

Oh and as mentioned don't boil rock with them tho I would never boil any rock but some folks have.

EDIT: I've pulled hundreds when I had them on a back wall and the toxin had no adverse affects on any tank inhabitants but running carbon is a good idea.

These are just two of the groups I've kept.

They look nice

 

[Reefering1]

To make a liquid an aerosol it typically would need to be baked, boiled or vaporized in some way

Don't forget mechanical agitation like waterfalls, splashing, and skimmer...

 

[torchreefer]

Don't forget mechanical agitation like waterfalls, splashing, and skimmer...

?

 

[Reefering1]

?

To make a liquid an aerosol it typically would need to be baked, boiled or vaporized in some way

Don't forget mechanical agitation like waterfalls, splashing, and skimmer...

 

[exnisstech]

This may be helpful

Palytoxin Poisoning: Marine Aquarium Safety | SA Health

Palytoxin poisoning: Zoanthid coral species can contain Palytoxin and cause dangerous symptoms if not handled carefully. Protect your family with these aquarium tips.

www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

 

[braaap]

Oh yay. Another one of these threads. Don’t boil palys. Don’t lick your fingers or rub your eyes after working in the tank until you wash your hands.

/endthread

 

[Reefering1]

Oh yay. Another one of these threads. Don’t boil palys. Don’t lick your fingers or rub your eyes after working in the tank until you wash your hands.

/endthread

Can't eat or smoke them either.. ;-)

 

[timmyrules]

Oh yay. Another one of these threads. Don’t boil palys. Don’t lick your fingers or rub your eyes after working in the tank until you wash your hands.

/endthread

Can't eat or smoke them either.. ;-)

These^

 

[formallydehyde]

Oh yay. Another one of these threads. Don’t boil palys. Don’t lick your fingers or rub your eyes after working in the tank until you wash your hands.

/endthread

I kind of wonder how many cases of suspected palytoxin poisoning are actually just psychosomatic symptoms from an anxiety attack. Kinda like cops with fentanyl. Though at least with palytoxin there are a lot of genuine symptomatic overlaps between anxiety attacks and palytoxin poisoning, except fever I guess.