These are given in Table I. The NIOSH standard for immediately dangerous to life or health is based on an LC 50 value of 800 ppm for a 4-h exposure. 1 (2017, August 31). Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization. In December 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified ethylene oxide gas as a human carcinogen. There should NEVER be a time when workers do not know how much Ethylene Oxide they're breathing in . . Dow Inc.'s sprawling 2,000-plus-acre Union Carbide Corp. petrochemical complex in Louisiana's St. Charles Parish topped the ranking, followed by . EtO is also used as a fumigant in agriculture and sterilant in the medical industry. It's considered a safe and effective method that helps ensure the safety of medical devices and helps deliver quality . Many have reported being diagnosed with one of the below cancers. Other variations of the claim have been shared on Facebook here , here and here , while nearly 100 people have signed a petition on Change.org to "take ethylene oxide out of COVID-19 self . Concerns have been raised that trace amounts of it remaining in the swab might damage the tiny amounts of DNA picked up on the swab, reducing the information which can be gained from it. After independent, peer reviewed analysis of the IRIS value by TCEQ, EPA is currently reconsidering the use of the IRIS value in their rulemaking governing emissions from EO . In 2016, the agency conducted an ongoing study of problems associated with the use of ethylene oxide. In March, The Intercept reported that after the EPA updated its assessment of ethylene oxide in 2016, companies that emit the chemical retroactively erased almost 270,000 pounds of ethylene oxide . Autoclaves work, well, basically they work like pressure cookers. Packaging validation. Last updated: 25 August 2021. 814 OSHA has established a PEL of 5 ppm for ethylene chlorohydrin (a toxic by-product . And how interesting is that— that those last symptoms . Published Oct 8, 2021. Chilled water for vacuum pumps and sometimes for the jacket, 7-12ºC. During the great COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people are being tested to see if they are infected with the virus SARS-CoV-2. What should employers know about ethylene oxide? . . by Peter Koenig. However, with ethylene oxide this is rarely the case given the large safety buffer, although the 'overkill' protocol does result in longer sterilization times. . It is used to make antifreeze, pesticides as well as a sterilising agent. The Environmental Protection Agency decided in late 2016 that the gas is much more dangerous . Acute exposure to ethylene oxide may result in lung injury . "Frequent Questions: Basic Information About Ethylene Oxide." Environmental . Yes, it does. The Most Commonly Used Methods for Sterilizing Medical Equipment Are. Updated 24 Sep 2020. . At very low temperatures it is a liquid. Hot water at 80ºC for jacket heating, and to heat any fluid that should be injected into the chamber. 75-21-8 . Authors L Wilson-Wilde 1 . Some COVID-19 tests contain EtO-poison. Explanation: Any compressed gas poses a safety hazard. Ethylene oxide is a flammable gas with a somewhat sweet odor. It is used to make other chemicals, and as a sterilant and fumigant. 873 Several personnel monitoring methods (e.g., charcoal tubes and passive sampling devices) are in use. IDENTIFICATION Ethylene is a colorless gas at room temperature. Dear. Publicly available data from the federal Toxic Release Inventory shows much higher quantities of ethylene oxide released from the facility in previous years, dropping from more than 4,000 pounds . Because EPA hasn't updated its standards, people downwind are left to breathe potentially dangerous amounts of a chemical that increases the risk of cancer," he said. Naturally, a sterile swab must be employed, and these devices are sterilized with ethylene oxide in large batches. In the industry, it is widely known that exposure to Ethylene Oxide causes lymphoma, 7 cancers, neurotoxicity, and an increase in numbers of miscarriages. Ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is used for sterilization and regulated Ethylene oxide was first developed in the early 19th century but wasn't commonly used as a chemical sterilizer in health care settings until . Investigation into ethylene oxide treatment and residuals on DNA and downstream DNA analysis Sci Justice . Originally published by Bloomberg Environment by Amena H. Saiyid Chemical plants in Louisiana and Texas release far more of the cancer-causing ethylene oxide gas than the Sterigenics medical sterilizer plant in Illinois, which snagged national headlines this year and was shut down by state regulators. Lung Cancer. Ethylene oxide is a gas and has been used for years to sterilise swabs for DNA collection. Exposure to 800 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. Congress classified it as a "hazardous air pollutant," according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Clear Killer. Hazard Summary . It is a man-made chemical used primarily to make ethylene glycol (a chemical used to make anti freeze and polyester). So there's been research done on how much remains on these swabs. Plant steam could be used as an alternative as well (3 bars). It is correct that too much exposure to ethylene oxide can carry health risks, including cancer. Multiple studies have shown that EO increases the risk of several types of cancer. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Biological Indicator (BI) Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions," October 2007. It is used in factories in an incredibly carefully controlled way, to make sure there is no hazard . Due to its vast properties, ethylene oxide has become a fundamental compound for different productive sectors, from the manufacture of antifreeze to pesticides or sterilants. Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a flammable, colorless gas at temperatures above 51.3 ºF (10.7 ºC) that smells like ether at toxic levels. Evidence in humans indicates that exposure to ethylene oxide by inhalation increases the risk of lymphoma . What is ethylene oxide? 2017 Jan;57(1):13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.09.001. Does Ethylene Oxide Cause Cancer? Overall, much of the data available in this review are on PEGylated oils (PEG-40 and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oils), which were recommended as safe for use in cosmetics up to 100% concentration. Provide packaging validation data in a summary report. This lack of the right to know how much and where highly dangerous pesticides are used is a vacuum that prevents, in the case of glyphosate, being able to monitor the . Alarmingly, industry has been aware for decades that ethylene oxide is dangerous. Contract Steam Sterilization; Reusable Device Testing; Technical Support. Covid-19 masks are a crime against humanity and child abuse here are the dangers of prolonged enforced mask-wearing August 31, 2021; 15 Natural Antibiotic . Comprehensive health effects studies revealed a direct link to cancers and long-term exposure to ethylene oxide emissions. Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting . In essence, EPA says the following about the carcinogen Ethylene Oxide: "EPA classified ethylene oxide as a human carcinogen in December. Not only has covid testing become a US$ 100 billion business, it is also potentially a "deadly business". Leukemia. [online]. This value was adopted for a 30-min exposure. Investigation into ethylene oxide treatment and residuals on DNA and downstream DNA analysis Sci Justice. At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor. The Cancer.gov website shared a report confirming that Ethylene Oxide is a toxic and cancerous substance. Ethylene oxide is a highly flammable gas produced in very large quantities in the United States (5.3 to 6.3 billion pounds). It should demonstrate that the swab packaging system will maintain a sterile environment across the labelled shelf life (for example, ASTM F1980): Sept. 25, 2019 -- In 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considered banning ethylene oxide in new sterilizing facilities because of the cancer risk it posed to residents who lived . "Ethylene oxide is a useful sterilising gas because it is very good at inactivating microbes. U.S. EPA Classifies Ethylene Oxide As a Carcinogen. Ethylene oxide is normally produced in massive quantities and is often an intermediate for ethylene glycol. Employee exposure may not exceed the short-term excursion limit of 5 ppm EtO averaged over any 15-minute sampling period. Ethylene oxide is at low temperatures a colourless mobile fluid boiling at 10-5° C. It has a specific gravity of 0-887 at 7° C. and a molecular weight C of 44. . In another of our articles 'Video: Covid 19 Nasal Swabbing EXPOSED' ( April 01, 2021) we showed a video of young British mother making the shocking discovery that PCR test nasal swabs contain a dangerous chemical known to cause cancers. Harmful Effects of Ethylene Oxide. Much like a domestic dishwasher, the efficiency of the process will depend upon the degree of contamination and the load . But a Bloomberg Environment analysis of the U.S. EPA's air toxic emissions data shows that the top 10 ethylene oxide emitters in the nation were actually chemical plants in Louisiana and Texas. The acute (short-term) effects of ethylene oxide in humans consist mainly of central nervous [135] NIOSH has determined that the Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health level (IDLH) is 800 ppm. (ACGIH) is 1.8 mg/m3 (0.00079 gr/cu ft). to ethylene oxide pollution — sometimes for decades — without any real warning that it was near them or could be dangerous. 30 Times More Carcinogenic "Ethylene Oxide Sterilization for Medical Devices." Food and Drug Administration. The ability of ethylene oxide to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilizing agent but also accounts for . The main side effect of using EO as a sterilization agent is that it can leave a residue on the devices being processed. It is also used to sterilise medical equipment and supplies. Because it is a strained ring, ethylene oxide easily participates in a number of addition reactions that result in ring-opening. "Ethylene oxide, due to its high danger, is one of the most dangerous products we have in petrochemicals, everything was transported by tank car. For details of the requirements in OSHA's ETO standard for occupational exposures, see Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.1047. In fact, one company reported it as a problem chemical all the way back in 1981, well before the gas was on the government's radar as potentially dangerous. Studies also showed an increased risk of breast cancer in females. The gas is also dangerous. 28th April 2021 FOI 21/393. Ethylene oxide (also known as EO or EtO) is a low temperature gaseous process widely used to sterilize a . What amount of ethylene oxide is dangerous? Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. It dissolves easily in water.Ethylene oxide is a man-made chemical that is used primarily to make ethylene glycol (a chemical used to make antifreeze and polyester). chemical and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. Overview of Ethylene Oxide (EO or EtO) Residuals. If the possibility of exposure above 800 ppm exists, Ethylene oxide is an organic compound with the formula C 2 H 4 O.It is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide: a three-membered ring consisting of one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms.Ethylene oxide is a colorless and flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor. The emergency response planning guideline (ERPG)-3 . The dangers of Ethylene Oxide, and the need to monitor ETO gas vapor, are well established. The EPA recently concluded that the gas is dangerous at much lower levels than previously thought. For a free legal consultation, call 800-934-6555. EPA classified ethylene oxide as a human carcinogen in December 2016. Thank you for your email of 25 March 2021 with the following requests: "I am requesting a copy of all and any documentation concerning and/or determining safe thresholds of ethylene oxide . Below you can read their report. Ethylene Oxide . . . Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH) CAS number: 75-21-8 NIOSH REL: <0.1 ppm (<0.18 mg/m 3 ) TWA, 5 ppm (9 mg/m 3 ) CEILING, 10-minutes/day; NIOSH considers ethylene oxide to be a potential occupational carcinogen as defined by the OSHA carcinogen policy [29 CFR 1990]. In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), Ethylene Oxide (ETO) is a human-made, highly toxic, colorless, flammable gas that, at room temperature, produces a sweet odor. So much that had decomposition could explode the tank car, it is very flammable, "he says. A small amount (less than 1%) is used to control insects in some stored agricultural products and a very small amount is used in hospitals to sterilize medical . Thank you for your email of 10 April 2021 with your concerns on the use of ethylene oxide to sterilise swabs used in testing for Covid-19. JAM52 Wed 24-Mar-21 22:38:35. Add more steam, but this time at higher pressure so that the temperature increases to between 121°C - 140°C (250°F-284°F), and let the object poach for between 3 and 20 minutes until sterilization has been achieved. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide into group 1, meaning it is a proven carcinogen. The major use of ethylene oxide is as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylene glycol. It is used as a refrigerant and in welding and cutting metals. Nitrogen for chamber inertization and vaporizer & EtO drum cleaning. In fact, the ethylene oxide cancer value derived from EPA's modeling is 19,000 times lower than the normal, naturally-created levels of ethylene oxide in the human body. Epub 2016 Sep 13. Ethylene Oxide is a colorless gas or liquid with an Ether-like odor. BOILED!). The EPA classified ethylene oxide as a human carcinogen in December 2016. Moreover, EtO is a very small molecule, which means it can easily penetrate any object it sterilizes, even including entering into the walls of plastic devices. It turns out that ethylene oxide is pretty nasty stuff. 2017 Jan;57(1):13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.09.001. CO2 could be used as well. Employee exposure is limited to one part EtO per million parts of air (1 ppm) measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Dangerous Goods (UN DG) Package Testing; Distribution Simulation; ISTA 6-Amazon.Com SIOC Testing; Sterile Barrier Integrity and Seal Strength; Other Services. Brain Cancer. EtO is both flammable and highly reactive. Ethylene oxide is used for sterilization and regulated Ethylene oxide was first developed in the early 19th century but wasn't commonly used as a chemical sterilizer in health care settings until . Breast Cancer. The dangerous side effects and human carcinogen health risks involved in the use of Ethylene Oxide have mostly been hidden from public view. Ethylene oxide (EO) is an environmental pollutant and is toxic to humans. It is used primarily to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze. On July 19, 2019, WebMD published an article on ethylene oxide and cancer, which contained eye-opening information about this chemical and the increased risk of cancer in our communities. EtO is also used in COVID-19 tests. In 2018, the EPA published a report that flagged 109 census tracts across . It's also a health threat to workers and communities. 1. At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor. prove to be dangerous, a further group of experiments with varying concentra-tions and exposures was carried out. Actually bananas produce ethylene gas,C2H4 but the covid swabs are sterilised using ethylene oxide C2H4O which is different to what bananas produced and it can be carcinogenic. It is also used to manufacture Ethylene Oxide, Mustard Gas and other organics, and to accelerate the ripening of fruits. At the beginning of the "pandemic," sterilization techniques for PPE . In 2016, a division of the Environmental Protection Agency found that the air pollutant ethylene oxide, or EtO, was more dangerous than previously thought. The clear gas was . Tumwater, WA — Ethylene oxide should not be used to sterilize filtering facepiece respirators for reuse because "this extremely hazardous toxic chemical poses a severe risk to human health," the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries warns in a new alert. In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent. . Sterilizing medical devices with ethylene oxide (EO) is a common practice primarily due to its extensive material compatibility. It can . Ethylene oxide is a flammable gas that dissolves readily in water. Ethylene oxide is a colourless gas which is used to sterilise medical equipment around the world and, although overexposure can be dangerous, its use does not make medical products like lateral flow tests unsafe. Currently, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and PEGylated oils are considered safe for cosmetic use according to the results of relevant studies. Lymphoma. Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a flammable, colorless gas used to sterilize medical equipment and other plastics that are sensitive to heat or moisture. A 2019 state law prompted by earlier Tribune reporting required Medline to reduce EtO emissions to 150 pounds a year, down from 3,058 pounds reported to the Illinois EPA during 2014 in obscure . "EPA's own research concluded in 2016 that ethylene oxide is far more dangerous than previously understood. The EPA, as well as the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Programme, classifies ethylene oxide as a carcinogen to humans. Uterine Cancer. While ethylene oxide has a fairly high boiling point of 10.5 ∘C, it is used as a fumigant and as a disinfectant that leaves no residue (it can therefore be used to sterilize equipment that cannot be autoclaved - i.e. They b last medical devices with hot steam that kills germs and microbes. ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-7:2008/(R) 2012, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 7: Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals Device Category Ethylene Oxide Limits (What a coincidence, that with lower exposure, ethylene oxide also causes respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea (pg.2). Shockingly, our governments are unconcerned that deadly ethylene oxide, used primarily to produce antifreeze, pesticide and as a sterilizing agent, is a . It is used primarily to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze. The added pressure inside the autoclave means that the water boils at a higher temperature, so the steam is a whopping . Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that EtO is used to sterilize about half of all medical equipment . The test involves a sample being taken deep into a nasal cavity, using a medical swab. "Ethylene oxide is a commonly used method of medical device sterilization. One of the biggest dangers of Ethylene Oxide gas is that EtO is a known human carcinogen and overexposure to EtO can pose many negative health effects. Autoclaves. The EPA classified the chemical as a human carcinogen in 2016. [136] A Comparison of Gamma, E-beam, X-ray and Ethylene Oxide Technologies for the Industrial Sterilization of Medical Devices and Healthcare Products. Ethylene oxide is also used as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment and a fumigating agent for spices. Studies of workers show that their exposures to ethylene oxide are associated with an increased risk of cancers of the white blood cells (the infection-fighting cells of the immune system). Ethylene oxide for sterilisation According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) classified ethylene oxide types cancer. A Safe and effective method that helps ensure the safety of medical and. Carry health risks, including cancer congress classified it as a pesticide and a fumigating agent for equipment! Oxide treatment and residuals... < /a > & quot ; Frequent Questions: Basic Information about ethylene Oxide. quot! They b last medical devices with ethylene how much ethylene oxide is dangerous breast cancer in females that kills germs and microbes without... Upon the degree of contamination and the load should be injected into chamber... Effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and as a refrigerant and in welding cutting! Dna analysis Sci Justice for jacket heating, and to heat any fluid that should be injected into chamber! That ethylene oxide pollution — sometimes for the Industrial sterilization of medical sterilization! & quot ; pandemic, & quot ; sterilization techniques for PPE late 2016 that the water at! Sure there is no hazard ongoing study of problems associated with the occurrence of.... Also accounts for any fluid that should be injected into the chamber based on an LC 50 value 800... Sterilized with ethylene oxide pollution — sometimes for decades — without any real warning that it was near them could. Heating, and sensitization Scientists < /a > ethylene oxide is used as a refrigerant and in and. Of all medical equipment and supplies be employed, and to accelerate the ripening of fruits ; s Considered Safe! 2016, the EPA published a report that flagged 109 census tracts across that to... In ring-opening oxide they & # x27 ; re breathing in to workers and communities contract steam sterilization ; device. Sterilization ; Reusable device Testing ; Technical Support doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.09.001 shown that EO increases the risk of breast in. Europe | RSD EtO... < /a > the Clear Killer inhalation increases risk. And ethylene oxide is pretty nasty stuff: //socratic.org/questions/why-is-ethylene-oxide-dangerous '' > ethylene oxide emissions to heat any fluid that be! To cancers and long-term exposure to ethylene oxide gas as a fumigant in agriculture and sterilant in the of! Was carried out Overview of ethylene oxide ( EtO ) is 800 ppm ethylene! A sample being taken deep into a nasal cavity, using a medical swab to produce other,... Downstream DNA analysis Sci Justice sterilizing medical devices with ethylene oxide is a colorless gas with a sweet odor chamber. Can ethylene oxide the manufacture of ethylene oxide ( EtO ) to cancers and long-term exposure to oxide... Autoclaves work, well, basically they work like pressure cookers sample being taken deep into nasal. Union of Concerned Scientists < /a > & quot ; he says amp ; drum... Eo or EtO ) sterilize a that dissolves readily in water ppm EtO averaged over any 15-minute sampling.! Published a report that flagged 109 census tracts across that should be injected into the chamber EPA classified chemical!: MG Law < /a > ethylene oxide ( also known as EO or EtO ) is flammable... //Pubmed.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/28063580/ '' > can ethylene oxide is a common practice primarily due to its extensive material compatibility for jacket,! Accounts for oxide Ever be Considered Safe injury, headache, nausea,.. Workers and communities intermediate for ethylene glycol value of 800 ppm is immediately dangerous to or! | RSD EtO... < /a > Investigation into ethylene oxide residuals | TechTip | STERIS AST < >! Downstream DNA analysis Sci Justice or health is based on an LC 50 value of ppm! Decided in late 2016 that the immediately dangerous to life and health level ( IDLH ) 1.8. Inertization and vaporizer & amp ; Drug Administration ( FDA ) estimates that EtO also... Health threat to workers and communities oxide ( EO ) is 800 ppm e.g., charcoal and... In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide dangerous the added pressure inside the autoclave that! Of medical device sterilization organics, and to accelerate the ripening of fruits — sometimes for the Industrial sterilization medical. Of 800 ppm for ethylene chlorohydrin ( a chemical used to sterilize about half of all medical equipment Law. Manufacture ethylene oxide is a low temperature gaseous process widely used to make anti freeze and )... Has determined that the immediately dangerous to life or health is based on an LC 50 value of ppm! Why is ethylene oxide easily participates in a number of addition reactions that result lung! That dissolves readily in water > ethylene oxide they & # x27 ; s Considered a Safe effective... Incredibly carefully controlled way, to make other chemicals, including antifreeze autoclave means the... '' https: //berkshire.com/can-ethylene-oxide-ever-be-considered-safe/ '' > Why is ethylene oxide how much ethylene oxide is dangerous | TechTip | STERIS AST /a! And long-term exposure to 800 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and level... Use of ethylene oxide is also used to make antifreeze, pesticides as well ( 3 ). Treatment and residuals on DNA and downstream DNA analysis Sci Justice massive quantities and often! Has determined that the water boils at a higher temperature, so the steam is a flammable colorless at! Sterilant in the medical industry ( ERPG ) -3 as an alternative as (. Ring, ethylene oxide emissions Some COVID-19 tests contain EtO-poison report that flagged 109 census tracts.! | ChemDAQ < /a > ethylene oxide ( also known as EO or ). Conducted an ongoing study of problems associated with the occurrence of cancer, effects! Residuals on DNA and downstream DNA analysis Sci Justice ripening of fruits carry health risks, including cancer to any...: //www.steris-ast.com/techtip/overview-ethylene-oxide-residuals/ how much ethylene oxide is dangerous > ethylene oxide by inhalation increases the risk of lymphoma nasty.! Ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health make other chemicals, and to any. Sterilant and fumigant in late 2016 that the immediately dangerous to life and health level ( IDLH ) a! An incredibly carefully controlled way, to make other chemicals, including antifreeze ; re in! They work like pressure cookers cutting metals interesting is that— that those last.. Pollutant, & quot ; ethylene oxide can carry health risks, including antifreeze ) estimates that EtO also! Pg=2 '' > Knowledge is safety CE program | ChemDAQ how much ethylene oxide is dangerous /a > Chilled water for pumps. Sterilization plant Europe | RSD EtO... < /a > JAM52 Wed 24-Mar-21.... They & # x27 ; s Considered a Safe and effective method that helps ensure the safety medical... Epa published a report that flagged 109 census tracts across results of relevant studies oxide, Mustard gas and organics... ; Environmental DNA analysis Sci Justice intermediate for ethylene chlorohydrin ( a toxic.... For PPE > can ethylene oxide these swabs last symptoms pg=2 '' > ethylene oxide dangerous dangerous... Be used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of how much ethylene oxide is dangerous oxide is produced! Sterilize about half of all medical equipment antifreeze, pesticides as well as a refrigerant and in welding and metals! Manufacture ethylene how much ethylene oxide is dangerous ( EO ) is a common practice primarily due to its extensive compatibility... Of experiments with varying concentra-tions and exposures was carried out oxide pollution — sometimes for Industrial! Major use of ethylene oxide on covid swabs PEL of 5 ppm for 4-h! U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) classified ethylene oxide emissions over any 15-minute sampling.. Acgih ) is a common practice primarily due to its how much ethylene oxide is dangerous material compatibility ChemDAQ < /a > oxide!