Zoanthid toxin

[talon]

I just read an article on msn this morning that some zoanthids release a palytoxin that can be harmful if inhaled and that some people have been hospitalized by it. Is this real? I love this hobby and my corals but I won't endanger my family for it I will get my zoanthids out if this is real

 

[TheEngineer]

It's true. There are some stories around where people got fairly sick. They don't release anything into the air if they are just in your tank. You need to be careful when fragging them or working with them out of the water. Your best bet if using a diamond blade or something like that to frag if to always were safety goggles (not glasses) and a dust mask.

That said, don't go pulling them from your tank. You aren't in danger by having them in there.

 

[TheEngineer]

Conveniently enough, someone just started a thread about their story. Here is the article they link to:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blo...-poisoning-almost-killed-myself-wife-and-dogs

Note they made some really poor choices. Like boiling their rocks on the stove.