Zoa dangers???

[spleify]

I keep hearing people talking about handling zoa's and how you have to be careful. What can happen, and are they dangerous. I have been handling, and moving them around like crazy, trying to find where I like them best. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[edwing206]

They have palytoxin.
Google it.
Be careful if you have cuts on your hands.

 

[drummereef]

Even better... There's a sticky in this forum on the subject.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=158730

 

[thecichlidpleco]

Recently my middle finger swelled up and I went to the hospital. I thought it was palytoxin, but,really it was either yeast or water got into my cuticle. Honestly, unless it is a gaping wound or you get squirted in the face, it just causes unecessary worries.

 

[DiViNeLeFT]

i accidentally fragged a zoa and my finger at the same time. nothing like zoa juice running into a fresh wound. scared the crap out of me as i ran to the sink to wash my hands but nothing happend... either i was lucky or that paticular zoa didnt have palytoxin.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Goggles, powder free latex gloves or reef safe gloves are what I recommend to everyone. It's better to be safe than sorry. Also, be careful not to touch your face even in the event that you have to sneeze. A good hand and arm washing afterworlds is good to do as well. A squirt of saltwater alone will turn your eyes pink. I think everyone would has zoas and palys should download a palytoxin fact sheet and store it in a safe place in the event you need to run to ER in the event of exposure to these toxins. It will go a long way and save possibly some valuable time if the exposure is extreme.


Mucho Reef


An once of prevention......

 

[DiViNeLeFT]

i was kinda curious how many doctors would know what to do in the event of palytoxin. i mean they obviously dont see it much. i briefed my girlfriend on it just incase i ever fall to the ground convulsing after tank mantience/fragging so she could tell the ER.