A case of long-term neurological and respiratory sequelae of inhalational exposure to palytoxin. (30th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Emily; Deeds, Jonathan; Spaeth, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 186(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 3
• Publication Date: 2020-10-30
• Subjects: Palytoxin -- Marine toxin -- Home aquarium -- Zoanthids; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: Palytoxin has been found in several soft coral species which are popular for in-home reef aquariums. Although a limited number of case reports describing acute respiratory distress after inhalational exposure to palytoxin have been reported, there have been no reports regarding the potential long-term effects of inhalational exposure to palytoxin in the literature. This case follows an aquatic specialist in the U.S. over a period of seven years after a single intense occupational exposure to the aerosolized toxin from cleaning of a residential aquarium. Highlights: Occupational exposure to palytoxin from home aquarium maintenance. Inhalational exposure to presumed aerosols generated during the handling of zoanthids. Long-term cognitive and respiratory impairments from one-time exposure to palytoxin.