Recommended clean-up procedures following palytoxin incidents
- Type
- Guidance
- Published
- 01 April 2024
- Environmental health
- Health protection
Description
Palytoxin is a toxin produced by species of soft corals called zoantharians.
They are popular with marine reef aquarists as they are very colourful, commercially available, and often seen as a good 'starter' coral.
Incidents involving palytoxin typically occur when the slime coating produced by zoantharians is exposed to air.
In 2018, Health Protection Scotland worked with the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) to produce detailed guidance for marine reef aquarists on how to prevent palytoxin poisoning.
This guidance covers recommended clean-up procedures following a suspected palytoxin incident.
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