This may sound strange...

saltyfish922 · 10-10-2004, 03:13 PM

I had a CT scan and afterwords I broke out in hives, had to drink 1 qt. of water and sit with the nurse for a half of an hour. She said I have to tell everyone of this allergy due to cardiac and pulmonary failure that can happen the next time iodine is administered.

Which leads me to this question...Can operating a reef tank be dangerous? Just curious if anyone knows anything about this.

Was thinking on purchasing a tank that I seen today with somethingfishy.

"PS <<<< What the alphabet would look like if the letters Q & R weren't there." Comedian Mitch Hedburg

Matt Rogers · 10-11-2004, 10:31 AM

SOme corals and fish are dangerous, but what's this about iodine? Was she talking about people with aquariums?

Gresham · 10-11-2004, 11:49 AM

Matt, if iodine in saltwater was to effect her, they'd have warned her never to enter the ocean don't yah think

Being injected with iodine, and having contact very low levels as found in salt water, are very different things IMO.

FWIW, our tanks are dangerous. There's levels of certain bacteria, and nasty things that can really do some major damage, even death. If you get cut and it gets infected due to your tank, take extreme care of it, you wouldn't want to loose a limb, or your life. I'll dig up the articles on this. Anthony Calfo wrote something on this a bit back. I've had the infection I'm talking about. It took months to get rid of, and caused some scars. I was lucky it didn't progress much worse then it did.

Gresham · 10-11-2004, 11:51 AM

And it looked N A S T Y. I couldn't show my right hand to people while it was going on, they'd get sick. I kept it wrapped up at work, and used a glove taped onto my hand when I had to get stuff out of tanks.

JohnO · 10-11-2004, 12:23 PM

[quote author=saltyfish922 link=board=General;num=1097457214;start=0#0 date=10/10/04 at 18:13:34]
Which leads me to this question...Can operating a reef tank be dangerous? Just curious if anyone knows anything about this.

Was thinking on purchasing a tank that I seen today with somethingfishy.[/quote]

It most certainly can be dangerous, but so can keeping a dog :-) It's only that you already have good knowledge and respect of dogs that keeps you relatively safe.

Just never take anything for granted and don't touch things that you can't identify and you will be OK. Always wear gloves ( I use a pair of scuba diving gloves ) to avoid cuts from the rocks and remember if it's pretty, it's probably poisonous :-)

John

Craig Manoukian · 10-11-2004, 12:28 PM

TIn addition to Greshams list, the sting from lions, tangs, and foxface as well the palytoxins from polyps can cause anaphylactic shock. *

The stabbing or clubbing from a mantis can be real nasty and lead to a loss of a digit.

The sting from encrusting sponges can cause real discomfort.

Wear gloves and be careful!

saltyfish922 · 10-11-2004, 01:10 PM

Yes I understand you need to be careful. Just like driving a car, swimming, or anything else in life you choose to do. I was curious to know if anyone had ever heard of this reaction. As far as table salt...totally different. It is not straight iodine like the additive that you put in your tank. I guess I should have saved this one for a doctor.

somethingfishy · 10-11-2004, 04:58 PM

Beth, I think Greshem hit the nail on the head. I didn't even think about it but the Iodine levels in the tank are no more than the ocean. If you can swim in the ocean you can stick your hand in your tank.

I would ask your doctor anyway there may be a substantial risk while dosing.

JohnO · 10-11-2004, 05:06 PM

SF, I also think there is a big difference in getting Iodine on your skin or even drinking it to having it injected into your veins in volume.

I think the Iodine is used as a dye to make the veins more visible to CT scans and the reaction to the Iodine is scary, but quite common.

John

saltyfish922 · 10-11-2004, 05:24 PM

John, I was not sure if being that the skin absorbs it, would that cause a reaction.
Gresham, no they didn't say anything about staying away from the ocean. I hope that you are not being a smart butt by your little comment. I posted this to see if anyone else here has heard of or has this allergy. and had any extra info on it. Thank you.