Primary prevention
Primary prevention of mycotoxin exposure involves the avoidance of contact. This may be to limit contaminated food grains. There is published guidance on analysis of foodstuffs for possible mycotoxin (including T-2 mycotoxin) contamination.[15][16][17] International standards and legislation detail acceptable mycotoxin levels in foodstuffs.[18][19]
In the event of aerosol exposure, first responders should wear personal protective equipment (protective clothing and mask) and evacuate the adjacent area.[20][21][22] The contaminated area covered with aerosolised mycotoxins is likely to be small. A filtering mask, that blocks the penetration of aerosol particles 3 to 4 micrometres or larger, will provide respiratory protection against mycotoxins.
Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention requires identification of mycotoxin poisoning through suspicious history and physical examination findings, reporting the suspicious event to the proper authorities, and initiation of actions to prevent the exposure of additional people. In most cases, this is required long before confirmation of the specific toxin exposure.
Decontamination and use of protective clothing are vital, as human-to-human transmission may occur via skin contact. In the case of possible chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other local agencies have published guidelines on minimum standards for first responders.[20][21][22]
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