This is was an often discussed topic on NR.com. There are some sources that say that palytoxins are limited to a few specific sp of coral and others that say it present in more reef animals than you might think.
Here is an interesting thread on the topic:
Palytoxin lit link
When starting the hobby I was a bit concerned about it. ...and when first setting up a reef I had used some uncured Haitian live rock that still have a various polyps on it amung other things. After my initial aquascaping I developed a rash on my right arm (the one I had in the tank most) that got me worried enough to head to the ER fearing some sort of palytoxin.
In retrospect, the cause was likely a bristle worm.
I did quite a bit of manipulation to the rock (cutting, splitting and drilling) to build my 'scape. All of which with bare hands. I made note of several worms that were found and met their demise as I drilled and split rock (along with the worms).. not realizing that I was also in the process of creating bristle soup in the tank that left me with an odd tingling sensation later that day and a nasty rash on my arm that ran up to exactly the point I had that arm under the water line.
I wore gloves when working in the tank religiously after that.. till they ripped. I've not used them in well over a year and even moved the entire set up bare handed again last month.
So, since it seems I don't learn from my own mistakes everyone stay tuned for my next trip to the ER.
