:## Texas Issues Alert: Dangers of Concentrated 7-OH in Kratom Products
Teh Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is warning residents about the risks associated with products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical found in the kratom plant. A surge in exposures to 7-OH, particularly concentrated forms, is raising serious health concerns.
What is the concern?
Kratom products typically contain low concentrations of 7-OH (less than 2%). However, newer products on the market contain highly concentrated 7-OH-up to 98%-significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects. These concentrated forms are available as pills, gummies, candies, and even imitation ice cream at various retailers.
Rising Exposure Numbers
The Texas poison Center Network has seen a substantial increase in reported exposures involving kratom or 7-OH:
2025 (through August 27th): 192 reports
2024 (total): 107 reports
2023 (total): 122 reports
Notably, 19 of the 2025 reports involved concentrated 7-OH products in July and August, with 11 patients requiring hospital treatment.
Symptoms of 7-OH Exposure
Symptoms can range in severity and include:
nausea and vomiting
Agitation
confusion
Sweating
Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Difficulty breathing
Sleepiness or loss of consciousness
Seizures
Respiratory depression
FDA Action
In July 2025, the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to restrict access to 7-OH products due to their potent opioid-like effects. Kratom and 7-OH lack FDA approval for medical use and have not been proven safe or effective.
Recommendations
For the Public:
Avoid all products containing 7-OH.
Carefully examine labels and packaging before purchasing.
Keep products out of reach of children and pets. Talk to children and teenagers about the dangers of 7-OH.
Consult a healthcare professional before using any supplements.
For Healthcare Providers:
provide appropriate emergency and critical care.
Administer naloxone for respiratory depression.
Monitor for and manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
If you are experiencing symptoms after using a 7-OH product, seek immediate medical attention.
Resources:
Texas Poison Center Network: 1-800-222-1222
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/
how might the chronic release of cortisol, triggered by 7-channel hopping during severe weather, contribute to long-term health complications?
Health Risks Linked to 7-Channel Hopping: Understanding the Implications of Frequent Switching during Severe Weather Events
What is 7-Channel Hopping & Why Does it Happen?
“7-Channel Hopping,” a term increasingly used by emergency management officials and weather enthusiasts, refers to the frustrating experience of repeatedly losing and regaining a television signal during severe weather events. This isn’t a problem with your TV,but rather a consequence of how atmospheric conditions – specifically,ducting and tropospheric propagation – affect over-the-air (OTA) television signals. Essentially, the atmosphere acts like a waveguide, bending signals further than normal. This allows distant TV stations to be received, but also causes instability as the atmospheric conditions shift. the “7” refers to the VHF band channels most commonly affected, though it can occur across the entire broadcast spectrum. Signal fading, pixelation, and complete signal loss are hallmarks of this phenomenon. Understanding weather-related signal interference is crucial for mitigating potential health impacts.
The Physiological Impact of Signal Instability: Stress & Anxiety
While seemingly a minor inconvenience, frequent signal interruptions – the core of 7-channel hopping – can trigger a cascade of physiological responses. The unpredictable nature of the signal loss creates a low-level, chronic stress response.
Cortisol Release: The brain interprets the disruption as an unpredictable event, leading to the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Prolonged cortisol elevation is linked to numerous health problems.
Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure: Even brief interruptions can cause a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Anxiety & Frustration: During severe weather, people rely on television and radio for critical facts. The inability to access this information reliably fuels anxiety and frustration, especially when a severe weather alert is expected.
Sleep Disruption: If 7-channel hopping occurs during evening hours, the constant signal fluctuations can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and impaired cognitive function.
Cognitive Strain & Information Deprivation During Emergencies
The real danger of 7-channel hopping isn’t just the annoyance; it’s the potential for information deprivation during critical moments.
- Delayed Warning Reception: Intermittent signals can cause viewers to miss crucial parts of weather warnings, including evacuation orders or safety instructions.This is especially perilous during events like tornado warnings, hurricane preparedness, and flash flood alerts.
- Cognitive overload: Constantly trying to re-establish a signal and piece together fragmented information creates cognitive overload,hindering the ability to process and respond effectively to emergency situations.
- Reduced Situational Awareness: A stable information stream is vital for maintaining situational awareness during a crisis. 7-channel hopping compromises this awareness, possibly leading to poor decision-making.
- impact on Vulnerable Populations: Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with limited technological literacy are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of information deprivation.
Specific Health Concerns Exacerbated by 7-Channel Hopping
Several pre-existing health conditions can be worsened by the stress and anxiety associated with signal instability during severe weather.
Cardiovascular Disease: The sudden spikes in heart rate and blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in individuals with heart conditions.
Anxiety Disorders: Those prone to anxiety may experience heightened symptoms and panic attacks.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): For individuals with PTSD, the unpredictable nature of the signal loss can trigger flashbacks or exacerbate existing trauma.
Migraines: Stress and visual disturbances (pixelation, signal loss) can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.
Mitigating the Risks: Practical Steps & Alternative information sources
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to minimize the health risks associated with 7-channel hopping.
Invest in a Reliable Antenna: A high-quality, directional antenna properly installed can improve signal reception. consider an antenna with built-in amplification.
Utilize Multiple Information Sources: Don’t rely solely on OTA television.
NOAA Weather Radio: A dedicated NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous weather broadcasts directly from the National Weather Service.
Smartphone Apps: Download reputable weather apps that provide real-time alerts and forecasts. (e.g., The Weather Channel, AccuWeather).
Local Radio stations: Local AM/FM radio stations frequently enough remain operational during power outages and provide vital emergency information.
Official Social Media Accounts: Follow your local National Weather Service office and emergency management agency on social media for updates.
Backup Power: A generator or battery backup can keep essential devices (radio, smartphone) powered during outages.
Mental Health Strategies: practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing,meditation) to manage stress and anxiety during severe weather events. **Stress
