If you have zoanthids in your tank, if you collect zoanthids and palythoa, your chances of exposure are high. It is a potent potent neurotoxin. You do not develop tolerance. Surfaces and objects, carpet, tools, clothes that get exposed can expose others beyond the aquarist to this chemical toxin. Pulmonary, cardiac and neurological symptoms can vary from mild to serious. Even potentially death. No joke folks.
Like a bad case of the flu and more.
But the damage it potentially does, with repeat exposures, is poorly studied. Damage to endothelial linings of lungs, GI tract and damage to cardiac myocytes is highly likely even under small single exposures to frequent hobbyist exposures in the marine aquariums we all keep.
Perhaps we need more research and documentation.
Some zoas and some palys (very common ones), have significant amounts of the toxin.
Wish there was someway to catalogue this.
Remove those in the hobby from collection.
Be aware You can be exposing your family, kids, grandchildren to these toxins as well as your pets. Also anyone doing construction, work around your home and around the reef tank especially to this serious toxin.
Some can get very sick, some can experience permanent damage and some can yes, even die.
