These substances are relatively insoluble in water but highly soluble in ethanol, methanol, and propylene glycol. Heating to 500 o F for 30 minutes will inactivate the toxins, while exposure to sodium hypochlorite destroys toxic activity. This discussion focuses on the T-2 mycotoxin, a highly toxic agent that causes several illnesses in humans and animals. Unlike most biological toxins and microorganisms that do not affect the skin, T-2 toxin is an active dermal irritant and can severely irritate an unprotected person's skin and eyes. The pain associated with the exposure occurs within seconds to minutes.
Larger doses produce incapacitation and death within minutes to hours.
A larger amount of T-2 toxin is required for a lethal dose than of the chemical warfare agents VX, soman, or sarin. The T-2 toxin also produces effects after ingestion or eye contact. Severe poisoning results in prostration, weakness, jerky movement, collapse, shock, and death. No chemotherapy, vaccine, or specific antidote is available.