MASNA Live: When aquariums attack

MASNA has been running a chat on the  third Wednesday of each month.  MASNA chooses a topic and invites an expert to answer questions.  January’s chat was about ‘When Aquariums Attack; human aquarium related diseases’.  While the topic sounded a bit dry, it actually turned out to be really interesting.  One of the people had an interesting connundrum:

Christine W.:
Wayne, can you give everyone a bit of history on your question? I’ve done some research ahead

Wayne L.:
For the past year shortly after cleaning our aquarium if both my wife and I are working on it together, approx. 1 hour later we develop dry throats, then in 4-6 hours a definite upper respiratory issue with cough. By the next day the cough is productive and in 24-36 hours the issue is resolved and all is well.

Christine W.:
Does it always hit both of you? And do either of you have any allergies?

Wayne L.:
Both if we work on it together. I have asked my wife to no longer assist me and now wear a full face resporator mask which helps but the issue remains if I work on the aquarium for more than 1-2 horus. We do both have typical allergies and we may both develop a sinus infection once a year.

Christine W.:
Any shellfish allergies?

Wayne L.:
None.

Don’t worry, the rest of the chat is archived here.  February’s chat will be a Q&A with Bob Fenner.  Tune in for more!