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Tetrodotoxin: Biotoxin						Print
																Related Pages
										**CAS #:**
 4368-28-9
**RTECS #:** IO1450000
**UN #:** Not established/determined**Common Names:**
Fugu poison
Maculotoxin
Spheroidine
Tarichatoxin
Tetrodontoxin
TTXAgent CharacteristicsAPPEARANCEColorless crystalline solid that darkens when heated above 428°F (220°C).DESCRIPTIONTetrodotoxin is an extremely potent poison (toxin) found mainly in the liver and sex organs (gonads) of some fish, such as puffer fish, globefish, and toadfish (order Tetraodontiformes) and in some amphibian, octopus, and shellfish species. Human poisonings occur when the flesh and/or organs of the fish are improperly prepared and eaten. Tetrodotoxin interferes with the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles and causes an increasing paralysis of the muscles of the body. Tetrodotoxin poisoning can be fatal.METHODS OF DISSEMINATIONIndoor Air: Because the natural source of tetrodotoxin is from living organisms, and manufacturing tetrodotoxin artificially in appreciable quantities is extremely difficult, dissemination through indoor air is unlikely.
Water: Because the natural source of tetrodotoxin is from living organisms, and manufacturing tetrodotoxin artificially in appreciable quantities is extremely difficult, dissemination through water is unlikely.
Food: Exposure to tetrodotoxin usually occurs through eating improperly prepared fish or possibly through contamination of other food products.
Outdoor Air: Because the natural source of tetrodotoxin is from living organisms, and manufacturing tetrodotoxin artificially in appreciable quantities is extremely difficult, dissemination through outdoor air is unlikely.
Agricultural: Because tetrodotoxin is unlikely to be disseminated through indoor or outdoor air, it is also unlikely to be disseminated through agricultural products.ROUTES OF EXPOSUREExposure occurs due to ingestion of fish or other food containing tetrodotoxin.Personal Protective EquipmentGENERAL INFORMATIONThe following are general recommendations for hazardous material exposure. However, it is unlikely that tetrodotoxin will require this amount of protection.
First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering an area with an unknown contaminant or when entering an area where the concentration of the contaminant is unknown. Level A protection should be used until monitoring results confirm the contaminant and the concentration of the contaminant.**NOTE:** Safe use of protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills developed through training and experience.LEVEL A: (RED ZONE)Select when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. This is the maximum protection for workers in danger of exposure to unknown chemical hazards or levels above the IDLH or greater than the AEGL-2.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN full-face-piece SCBA operated in a pressure-demand mode or a pressure-demand supplied air hose respirator with an auxiliary escape bottle.
A Totally-Encapsulating Chemical Protective (TECP) suit that provides protection against CBRN agents.
Chemical-resistant gloves (outer).
Chemical-resistant gloves (inner).
Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank.
Coveralls, long underwear, and a hard hat worn under the TECP suit are optional items.LEVEL B: (RED ZONE)Select when the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is required. This is the minimum protection for workers in danger of exposure to unknown chemical hazards or levels above the IDLH or greater than AEGL-2. It differs from Level A in that it incorporates a non-encapsulating, splash-protective, chemical-resistant splash suit that provides Level A protection against liquids but is not airtight.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN full-face-piece SCBA operated in a pressure-demand mode or a pressure-demand supplied air hose respirator with an auxiliary escape bottle.
A hooded chemical-resistant suit that provides protection against CBRN agents.
Chemical-resistant gloves (outer).
Chemical-resistant gloves (inner).
Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank.
Coveralls, long underwear, a hard hat worn under the chemical-resistant suit, and chemical-resistant disposable boot-covers worn over the chemical-resistant suit are optional items.LEVEL C: (YELLOW ZONE)Select when the contaminant and concentration of the contaminant are known and the respiratory protection criteria factors for using Air Purifying Respirators (APR) or Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are met. This level is appropriate when decontaminating patient/victims.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN tight-fitting APR with a canister-type gas mask or CBRN PAPR for air levels greater than AEGL-2.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN PAPR with a loose-fitting face-piece, hood, or helmet and a filter or a combination organic vapor, acid gas, and particulate cartridge/filter combination or a continuous flow respirator for air levels greater than AEGL-1.
A hooded chemical-resistant suit that provides protection against CBRN agents.
Chemical-resistant gloves (outer).
Chemical-resistant gloves (inner).
Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank.
Escape mask, face shield, coveralls, long underwear, a hard hat worn under the chemical-resistant suit, and chemical-resistant disposable boot-covers worn over the chemical-resistant suit are optional items.LEVEL D: (GREEN ZONE)Select when the contaminant and concentration of the contaminant are known and the concentration is below the appropriate occupational exposure limit or less than AEGL-1 for the stated duration times.
Limited to coveralls or other work clothes, boots, and gloves.Emergency ResponseCHEMICAL DANGERSNot established/determinedEXPLOSION HAZARDSNot established/determinedFIRE FIGHTING INFORMATIONNot established/determinedINITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCESNot applicablePHYSICAL DANGERSNot established/determinedNFPA 704 Signal**Health:** 4
**Flammability:** 1
**Reactivity:** 0
**Special:**
Health: 4, Flammability: 1, Reactivity: 0, Special:SAMPLING AND ANALYSISOSHA: Not established/determined
NIOSH: Not established/determinedADDITIONAL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS INFORMATION*References are provided for the convenience of the reader and do not imply endorsement by NIOSH.*
AIR MATRIX
No references were identified for this sampling matrix for this agent.
OTHER
Hayashida M, Hayakawa H, Wada K, Yamada T, Nihira M, Ohno Y [in press]. A column-switching LC/MS/ESI method for detecting tetrodotoxin and Aconitum alkaloids in serum. Leg Med. Available online 16 January 2003.Horie M, Kobayashi S, Shimizu N, Nakazawa H [2002]. Determination of tetrodotoxin in puffer-fish by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Analyst 127(6):755-759.
Kreuzer MP, Pravda M, O’Sullivan CK, Guilbault GC [2002]. Novel electrochemical immunosensors for seafood toxin analysis. Toxicon 40(9):1267-1274.
SOIL MATRIX
No references were identified for this sampling matrix for this agent.
SURFACES
No references were identified for this sampling matrix for this agent.
WATER
No references were identified for this sampling matrix for this agent.Signs/SymptomsTIME COURSETetrodotoxin poisoning may either have rapid onset (10 to 45 minutes) or delayed onset (generally within 3 to 6 hours but rarely longer). Death may occur as early as 20 minutes, or as late as 24 hours, after exposure; but it usually occurs within the first 4 to 8 hours. Patient/victims who live through the acute intoxication in the first 24 hours usually recover without residual deficits. Symptoms may last for several days and recovery takes days to occur.EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM (LESS THAN 8-HOURS) EXPOSURETetrodotoxin interferes with the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles by blocking sodium channels. This results in rapid weakening and paralysis of muscles, including those of the respiratory tract, which can lead to respiratory arrest and death.EYE EXPOSURENot established/determinedINGESTION EXPOSUREFirst stage: Numbness and sensation of prickling and tingling (paresthesia) of the lips and tongue, followed by facial and extremity paresthesias and numbness, headache, sensations of lightness or floating, profuse sweating (diaphoresis), dizziness, salivation (ptyalism), nausea, vomiting (emesis), diarrhea, abdominal (epigastric) pain, difficulty moving (motor dysfunction), weakness (malaise), and speech difficulties.
Second stage: Increasing paralysis, first in the extremities, then in the rest of the body, and finally in the respiratory muscles; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea); abnormal heart rhythms (cardiac dysrhythmias or arrhythmia); abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension); fixed and dilated pupils (mydriasis); coma; seizures; respiratory arrest; and death.INHALATION EXPOSURENot established/determinedSKIN EXPOSURENot established/determinedDecontaminationINTRODUCTIONThe following are general recommendations for hazardous material exposure. However, it is unlikely that tetrodotoxin will require extensive decontamination, as its toxicity is primarily through individual ingestion. Off gassing is not believed to be a hazard. Safe disposal of the contaminated food and cleaning of all food preparation surfaces and utensils with soap and water should be sufficient.
The purpose of decontamination is to make an individual and/or their equipment safe by physically removing toxic substances quickly and effectively. Care should be taken during decontamination, because absorbed agent can be released from clothing and skin as a gas. Your Incident Commander will provide you with decontaminants specific for the agent released or the agent believed to have been released.DECONTAMINATION CORRIDORThe following are recommendations to protect the first responders from the release area:
Position the decontamination corridor upwind and uphill of the hot zone.
The warm zone should include two decontamination corridors. One decontamination corridor is used to enter the warm zone and the other for exiting the warm zone into the cold zone. The decontamination zone for exiting should be upwind and uphill from the zone used to enter.
Decontamination area workers should wear appropriate PPE. See the PPE section of this card for detailed information.
A solution of detergent and water (which should have a pH value of at least 8 but should not exceed a pH value of 10.5) should be available for use in decontamination procedures. Soft brushes should be available to remove contamination from the PPE.
Labeled, durable 6-mil polyethylene bags should be available for disposal of contaminated PPE.INDIVIDUAL DECONTAMINATIONThe following methods can be used to decontaminate an individual:
Decontamination of First Responder:
Begin washing PPE of the first responder using soap and water solution and a soft brush. Always move in a downward motion (from head to toe). Make sure to get into all areas, especially folds in the clothing. Wash and rinse (using cold or warm water) until the contaminant is thoroughly removed.
Remove PPE by rolling downward (from head to toe) and avoid pulling PPE off over the head. Remove the SCBA after other PPE has been removed.
Place all PPE in labeled durable 6-mil polyethylene bags.
Decontamination of Patient/Victim:
Remove the patient/victim from the contaminated area and into the decontamination corridor.
Remove all clothing (at least down to their undergarments) and place the clothing in a labeled durable 6-mil polyethylene bag.
Thoroughly wash and rinse (using cold or warm water) the contaminated skin of the patient/victim using a soap and water solution. Be careful not to break the patient/victim’s skin during the decontamination process, and cover all open wounds.
Cover the patient/victim to prevent shock and loss of body heat.
Move the patient/victim to an area where emergency medical treatment can be provided.First AidGENERAL INFORMATIONInitial treatment is primarily supportive.ANTIDOTEThere is no antidote for tetrodotoxin toxicity.EYENot established/determinedINGESTIONRemove the patient/victim from the source of exposure.
Prevent others from eating until the source of tetrodotoxin exposure can be ascertained, in order to avoid more casualties.
Do not induce vomiting (emesis).
Administer supplemental oxygen and assist ventilation as needed.
Seek medical attention immediately.INHALATIONNot established/determinedSKINNot established/determinedLong-Term ImplicationsMEDICAL TREATMENTIf the patient/victim can be rapidly transported to an emergency department following decontamination, stomach pumping (gastric lavage) may be considered after the airway has been secured. Gastric lavage is recommended only after ingestion of a life-threatening amount of tetrodotoxin and only if it can be done shortly after ingestion (generally within 1 hour). The risk of worsening injury to the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract must be considered. Heart function should be monitored, and the patient/victim should be evaluated for low blood pressure (hypotension), abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias), and reduced respiratory function (respiratory depression). The patient/victim should be evaluated for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), electrolyte disturbances, and decreased oxygen supply to the tissues (hypoxia).DELAYED EFFECTS OF EXPOSURENot established/determinedEFFECTS OF CHRONIC OR REPEATED EXPOSUREInformation is unavailable about the carcinogenicity, developmental toxicity, or reproductive toxicity from chronic or repeated exposure to tetrodotoxin.On-Site FatalitiesINCIDENT SITEConsult with the Incident Commander regarding the agent dispersed, dissemination method, level of PPE required, location, geographic complications (if any), and the approximate number of remains.
Coordinate responsibilities and prepare to enter the scene as part of the evaluation team along with the FBI HazMat Technician, local law enforcement evidence technician, and other relevant personnel.
Begin tracking remains using waterproof tags.RECOVERY AND ON-SITE MORGUEWear PPE until all remains are deemed free of contamination.
Establish a preliminary (holding) morgue.
Gather evidence, and place it in a clearly labeled impervious container. Hand any evidence over to the FBI.
Remove and tag personal effects.
Perform a thorough external evaluation and a preliminary identification check.
See the Decontamination section for decontamination procedures.
Decontaminate remains before they are removed from the incident site.*See Guidelines for Mass Fatality Management During Terrorist Incidents Involving Chemical Agents, U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM), November, 2001 for detailed recommendations.*Occupational Exposure Limits**NIOSH REL**:
Not established/determined
**OSHA PEL**:
Not established/determined
**ACGIH TLV**:
Not established/determined
**NIOSH IDLH**: Not established/determined**DOE TEEL**:
TEEL-0: Not established/determined
TEEL-1: Not established/determined
TEEL-2: Not established/determined
TEEL-3: Not established/determined
**AIHA ERPG**:
ERPG-1: Not established/determined
ERPG-2: Not established/determined
ERPG-3: Not established/determinedAcute Exposure GuidelinesAcute Exposure Guidelines
5 min
10 min
30 min
1 hr
4 hr
8 hrAEGL 1
(discomfort, non-disabling) – mg/m3
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determinedAEGL 2
(irreversible or other serious, long-lasting effects or impaired ability to escape) – mg/m3
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determinedAEGL 3
(life-threatening effects or death) – mg/m3
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determined
Not established/ determinedShow MoreDecontamination (Environment and Equipment)ENVIRONMENT/SPILLAGE DISPOSALThe following methods can be used to decontaminate the environment/spillage disposal:
Do not touch or walk through the spilled agent if at all possible. However, if you must, personnel should wear the appropriate PPE during environmental decontamination. See the PPE section of this card for detailed information.
Keep combustibles (e.g., wood, paper, and oil) away from the spilled agent.
Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact the spilled agent.
Do not direct water at the spill or the source of the leak.
Stop the leak if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel, and turn leaking containers so that gas rather than liquid escapes.
Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements, or confined areas.
Isolate the area until gas has dispersed.
Ventilate the area.EQUIPMENTAgents can seep into the crevices of equipment making it dangerous to handle. The following methods can be used to decontaminate equipment:
Not established/determinedAgent Properties**Chemical Formula:**
C11H17N3O8
**Aqueous solubility:**
Slightly soluble
**Boiling Point:**
Not established/determined
**Density:**
Not established/determined
**Flammability:**
Not established/determined
**Flashpoint:**
Not established/determined**Ionization potential:**
Not established/determined
**Log Kbenzene-water:**
Not established/determined
**Log Kow (estimated):**
-6.21
**Melting Point:**
Not established/determined
**Molecular Mass:**
319.27**Soluble In:**
Soluble in dilute acetic acid; slightly soluble in dry alcohol, ether; practically insoluble in other organic solvents.
**Specific Gravity:**
Not established/determined
**Vapor Pressure:**
Not established/determined
**Volatility:**
Not established/determinedHazardous Materials Warning Labels/Placards**Shipping Name:**
Not established/determined
**Identification Number:**
Not established/determined
**Hazardous Class or Division:**
Not established/determined
**Subsidiary Hazardous Class or Division:**
Not established/determined
**Label:**
Not established/determined
**Placard Image:**Trade Names and Other SynonymsBabylonia japonica toxin 1
BJT 1
5,9:7,10a-Dimethano-10ah-(1,3) dioxocino (6,5-d)pyrimidine-4,7,10,11,12-pentol, octahydro-12-(hydroxymethyl)-2-imino-, (4R-(4alpha, 4aalpha, 5alpha, 7alpha, 9alpha, 10alpha, 10abeta, 11S*, 12S*))-
Maculotoxin
Octahydro-12-(hydroxymethyl)-2-imino- 5,9:7,10a-dimethano-10aH-[1,3] dioxocino [6,5-d]pyrimidine-4,7,10,11,12-pentol
4R-(4alpha, 4aalpha, 5alpha, 7alpha, 9alpha, 10alpha, 10abeta, 11S*, 12S*))-Octahydro-12-(hydroxymethyl)-2-imino-5,9:7,10a-dimethano-10aH-(1,3)dioxocino(6,5-d) pyrimidine-4,7,10,11,12-pentol
Spheroidine
Tetrodontoxin
Tetrodotoxine
TTXWho to Contact in an EmergencyIn the event of a poison emergency, call the poison center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. If the person who is poisoned cannot wake up, has a hard time breathing, or has convulsions, call 911 emergency services.
For information on who to contact in an emergency, see the CDC website at emergency.cdc.gov or call the CDC public response hotline at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (Español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY).Important NoticeThe user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant STATE or TERRITORY legislation before use. NIOSH, CDC 2003.
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  May 12, 2011						Source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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