Trichothecene Mycotoxin

What is trichothecene mycotoxin?

Trichothecene mycotoxin (T-2) is a naturally occurring
poison produced by fungi. This poison can slow down the production of
protein and nucleic acid in the body. A purified form of T-2 may have
been used in Laos and Cambodia (1975-1981), in Kampuchea (1979-1981)
and in Afghanistan (1979-1981). It has been described as "yellow rain"
because it is a yellow fluid.

How can someone come into contact T-2 mycotoxin?

T-2 cannot be spread from person to person. Accidental
contact with large amounts of T-2 is not likely; it would take a
planned act to make T-2 and use it to poison a large number of people.

T-2 as a weapon: T-2 can be aerosolized and
released into the air. T-2 also can enter the body through the skin and
digestive tract, without being breathed in.

Please note: Just because you come into contact with T-2 does not mean you will get sick from it.

What happens if someone gets sick from T-2 mycotoxin?

The symptoms of T-2 poisoning include the following:

• Sever itching and redness of the skin, sores, shedding of the skin
• Distortion of any of the senses, loss of the ability to coordinate muscle movement
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Nose and throat pain, discharge from the nose, itching and sneezing
• Cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain and spitting up blood
• Temporary bleeding disorders

Severe poisoning can result in weakness, shock and death.

How likely is someone to die from T-2 mycotoxin poisoning?

The effects of T-2 mycotoxin poisoning will depend on
the concentration of exposure, length of time and way the person is
exposed. A highly concentrated solution or large amount of the gas is
more likely to cause severe effects, including death.

The likeliness of T-2 mycotoxin causing someone to die
is unknown. It is estimated that more than 6,000 people were killed by
the "yellow rain" in Laos.

What is the treatment for T-2 mycotoxin poisoning?

• Prevention of illness after contact: First, leave the area where the T-2 mycotoxin was released and move to fresh air.
  • Remove clothing.
  • Then, quickly take off clothing that may have T-2 on it. If possible,
    any clothing that has to be pulled over the head should be cut off the
    body instead so the chemical does not get near the eyes, mouth or nose.
    If helping other people remove their clothing, try to avoid touching
    any contaminated areas.

• Wash affected areas.

• • As quickly as possible, wash any T-2 from the skin with lots of soap and water.
  • If the eyes are burning or vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • If contact lenses are worn, remove them and put them with the
    contaminated clothing. Do not put the contacts back in. If eyeglasses
    are worn, wash them with soap and water. Eyeglasses can be put back on
    after they are washed.
  • If you are wearing
    jewelry that you can wash with soap and water, wash it and put it back
    on. If it cannot be washed, put it with the contaminated clothing.

• Discard contaminated items.

• • Place the clothing and any other contaminated items inside a plastic
    bag. Avoid touching contaminated areas of the clothing. If you can't
    avoid touching contaminated areas, or you aren't sure where the
    contaminated areas are, wear rubber gloves or use tongs, sticks or
    similar objects. Anything that touches the contaminated clothing should
    also be placed in the bag.
  • Seal the bag, and then seal that bag inside another plastic bag.
  • Call the local county health department right away. (Visit
    www.idph.state.il.us//local/alpha.htm for a listing of all county
    health departments in Illinois or check your local phone book.)
  • When the local or state health department or emergency personnel
    arrive, tell them what you did with your clothes. The health department
    or emergency personnel will arrange for further disposal. Do not handle
    the plastic bags yourself.
• Treatment of illness:
  There is no specific treatment for T-2 poisoning. Supportive care
  (intravenous fluids, medicine to control pain) is the standard
  treatment.

Is there a vaccine for T-2 mycotoxin poisoning?

No, there is no vaccine for T-2 poisoning.

What should be done if someone comes into contact with T-2 mycotoxin?

If you think that you or someone you know may have
come into contact with T-2, contact the local county health department
right away. (Visit www.idph.state.il.us/local/alpha.htm for a listing of all county health departments in Illinois or check your local phone book.)

If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of T-2
poisoning, call your health care provider or the Illinois Poison Center
right away. The toll-free number for the poison center is
1-800-222-1222.

Where can one get more information about T-2 mycotoxin?

Illinois Department of Public Health
http://www.idph.state.il.us

Illinois Poison Center
http://www.IllinoisPoisonCenter.org