Part No: RXSOL-33-1267-030
Peracetic acid is an environmentally safe and versatile anti-microbial agent and a powerful antioxidant
Sanitizer in breweries, beverage, juices, food processing and equipment : meat, bakery, poultry, sea food and disinfection in hospital (facility sanitization)
Physical and Chemical Properties of Three Equilibrium Grades of Per Acetic Acid
|
Property |
Value |
||
|
|
5% PAA |
15% PAA |
35% PAA |
|
Ratio of components : |
5 : 22 : 10 : 63 |
15 : 20 : 15 : 50 |
35 : 7 : 40 : 18 |
|
Freezing / Melting Point |
-26 to - 30°C |
-30 to -50°C |
-44°C |
|
Boiling Point |
99 to 105°C |
>100°C |
>105°C |
|
Density (g/cm³ ) at 20°C |
1.12 |
1.15 |
1.13 |
|
Vapour pressure at 20°C |
21 hPa |
25 hPa |
17 hPa |
|
Flash Point (Closed Cup) |
74 to 83 °C |
68 to 81°C |
42 to 62°C |
|
Self accelerating decomposition |
>55 to >65°C |
>50°C |
>55°C |
Peracetic acid has a molecular weight of 76.05. Its dissociation constant (pKa) is 8.2 at 20°C and therefore, the substance is mainly present in th environment as peracetic acid at a neutral pH (pH =7), while peracetate (the salt of Peracetic acid) would mainly be present if the pH is significantly higher than8.2 (OECD 2008). The pH of Peracetic Acid solution is reported to range fro <1 to 1.8 (OECD 2008:US National Library of Medicine 2012;NOAA 2015).
Peracetic Acid 30 manufacturer supplier distributor in Mumbai, Kandla, Kolkata, Vizag, Chennai, India, Fujairah, Dubai, Sharjah, UAE, Gulf, Middle East, Muscat Oman, Kenya Africa. Get the best quality of Peracetic Acid 30 at a competitive price from us. We have ready stock of Peracetic Acid 30 in India, UAE Gulf, Oman, Kenya Africa. Contact us for bulk as well as small orders.
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION SHEET Peroxyacetic Acid (PAA)
Peroxyacetic acid (also known as peracetic acid or PAA) is an organic peroxide based, colorless liquid with a low pH and a strong, pungent, vinegar-like odor. In the concentrated form it is highly corrosive and unstable. PAA is formed from the reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Commercial PAA products contain all three chemicals in an aqueous solution often with stabilizers added. The concentration of PAA as the active ingredient, as well as the mixture of the other ingredients, can vary widely.
PAA is used in food and beverage industries as well as hospitals, health care and pharmaceutical facilities as an antimicrobial agent, surface cleaner and sanitizer. In many meat and poultry establishments it is used on carcasses, parts, trim and organs to reduce bacterial contamination and foot spoilage. It can be applied by a variety of methods including spray cabinet, dip tank, hand spray pump and chiller.
How are FSIS employees potentially exposed to PAA in their workplaces?
FSIS employees can potentially be exposed to PAA when it is used as an antimicrobial or acidifier in ways that fail to properly contain or ventilate the product. The following are some examples of how IPP could potentially be exposed if controls are not properly in place:
-
Off-gassing from chillers;
-
Over spray from spray cabinet openings and high nozzle pressure;
-
Lack of local exhaust ventilation on spray cabinets;
-
Inadequate ventilation in kill floor area;
-
Direct discharge of waste solution from cabinets and tanks directly onto the floor;
-
Failure to properly control solution pH;
-
Chemical mixing in floor drains; and
-
Hand application with spray tanks.
The latest version of FSIS Directive 7120.1, “Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products”, contains a list of PAA containing substances and the concentrations that may be used for specific purposes in meat, poultry and egg product establishments. PAA solutions are currently approved for use in PAA concentrations ranging from 50 to 2,000 parts per million (ppm).
ESHG-Health-03.00 FSIS Environmental, Safety and Health Group (ESHG) 1
What are the potential health effects of exposure to PAA?
Concentrated forms of PAA solution are corrosive and exposure can cause irreversible damage to skin and eyes. When PAA is used in establishments for antimicrobial applications, it is used in diluted concentrations (ranging from 50 to 2,000 ppm in solution). Exposure to PAA in the dilute form as a vapor or mist may sometimes cause eye, nose, throat and respiratory irritation that usually subsides when exposure ceases. Currently, there is no correlation between a specific concentration in solution and the resulting concentration in air or the level of irritation expected. IPP should be aware that, in general, pre-existing respiratory conditions may be aggravated by exposure to airborne irritants.
What OSHA Standards and exposure guidelines apply to PAA?
There are no specific OSHA standards for PAA. The American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 0.4 ppm, as a 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL). ACGIH also does not consider PAA to be classifiable as a human carcinogen.
The ACGIH TLV is currently used in the meat and poultry industry as a general guideline for determining PAA health exposures. Therefore, when airborne concentrations of PAA exceed this value, action should be taken to limit exposure by leaving the work area until the reason for the elevated concentration can be identified and resolved.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is in the process of determining the concentration of PAA that should be considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). This document will be updated with that value when it is published.
How are occupational exposures to PAA monitored or measured?
There are no validated OSHA or NIOSH air sampling methods for PAA. Both agencies are investigating and developing a reliable method. This document will be updated when more information if available.
ESHG-Health-03.00 FSIS Environmental, Safety and Health Group (ESHG) 2
There are also several portable, direct reading monitors which are commercially available for sampling PAA. However, these monitors are not specific for PAA but can react to many types of oxidizing chemicals (such as chlorine, ozone and hydrogen peroxide). The monitor sensors are also sensitive to water, humidity and temperature making them difficult to use reliably in many establishments where PAA is used. The FSIS Environmental, Safety and Health Group (ESHG) is currently evaluating these monitors for use in the field.
What safety precautions can be followed to protect FSIS employees against exposure to PAA?
The most effective ways to prevent over-exposure to PAA is to minimize the amount of vapor, mist or droplets that come into direct contact with employees by providing adequate containment, ventilation, and process controls.
Some potential controls that establishments can put in place to minimize exposure are :
• Spray cabinets can be enclosed enough so that significant amounts of mists or droplets are not released through the entrance or exit to the cabinet.
• Local exhaust ventilation can be used to remove mists directly from the
cabinets.
• Clear plastic or stainless steel shields can be used to deflect spray from
contacting inspectors.
• Spray cabinets can be installed as far as practical from inspection stations. • Closed drain lines can be used for wastewater discharges from the cabinets
to the floor drains.
• If there is an issue with chemical mixing in floor drains, a dedicated drain line in the floor troughs can be used to carry the wastewater to an area where discharge will not cause safety issues.
• Adequate general ventilation can be provided using properly designed exhaust fans and fresh air supply units.
• PAA solutions can be monitored and controlled for concentration, pH, and temperature to reduce off-gassing, as specified by the system supplier.
How can an IIC ensure compliance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for this Chemical?
1. The IIC is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of FSIS Directive 4791.5, “Hazard Communication Program” are met.
This includes:
ESHG-Health-03.00 FSIS Environmental, Safety and Health Group (ESHG) 3
• Ensuring the List of Hazardous Chemicals used or stored on site is available in the USDA office as required by Directive 4791.5 Attachment 1 Section II. This list is usually limited to antimicrobials, sanitizers, and refrigerants.
• The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library location is noted on the signature page of Directive 4791.5 Attachment 1.
• Ensuring hazardous chemical containers are appropriately labeled.
2. The IIC is to provide training to all FSIS employees (including relief inspectors) for all chemical hazards in the workplace. Training includes:
-
Allowing IPP access to and time to read the SDS.
-
The location of hazardous chemicals that IPP may be exposed under routine and emergency conditions.
• Monitoring systems (if any) used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area.
• How IPP can identify the presence or release of a hazardous chemical (e.g. visual appearance or odor of chemicals).
-
The location of the required list of chemicals.
-
The location of the SDS library.
-
Steps IPP can take to protect themselves from hazardous exposure.
-
Emergency procedures found on FSIS form 4791-21.
4. The IIC can use information from the SDS and the chemical label for training material and any additional information provided by the chemical supplier and/or establishment regarding the working solutions and use concentrations to which IPP may be exposed in their work areas.
All occupational health and safety training is to be recorded using either AgLearn or FSIS form 3530-12. Training records are to include the topics covered, date, and employee name. The Agency is to retain all training records for a minimum of five years.
Peracetic acid is a strong disinfectant with a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Due to its bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and sporicidal effectiveness as demonstrated in various industries, the use of peracetic acid as a disinfectant for wastewater effluents has been drawing more attention in recent years. The desirable attributes of peracetic acid for wastewater disinfection are the ease of implementing treatment (without the need for expensive capital investment), broad spectrum of activity even in the presence of heterogeneous organic matter, absence of persistent toxic or mutagenic residuals or by-products, no quenching requirement (i.e., no dechlorination), small dependence on pH, short contact time, and effectiveness for primary and secondary effluents. Major disadvantages associated with peracetic acid disinfection are the increases of organic content in the effluent due to acetic acid (AA) and thus in the potential microbial regrowth (acetic acid is already present in the mixture and is also formed after peracetic acid decomposition). Another drawback to the use of peracetic acid is its high cost, which is partly due to limited production capacity worldwide. However, if the demand for peracetic acid increases, especially from the wastewater industry, the future mass production capacity might also be increased, thus lowering the cost. In such a case, in addition to having environmental advantages, peracetic acid may also become cost-competitive with chlorine.
PerAcetic Acid Handling Precaution :
Tip 1. Store in a well-ventilated area.
Tip 2. Keep at temperatures not exceeding 42 Degreee C.
Tip 3. Protect from direct sunlight.
Tip 4. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition such as steam pipes, radiant heaters, hot air vents, or welding sparks.
Tip 5. Do not store on wooden pallets.
Tip 6. Keep containers tightly closed.
Tip 7. Avoid damage to containers. There is a risk of container decomposition by heat or by contact with incompatible materials. In case of decomposition, isolate the container, douse with cool water and dilute with large volumes of water.
Tip 8. Store containers of peracetic acid at least 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) or by a 4-hour fire-resistant wall from oxidizing agents or corrosives.
Tip 9. Do not store containers of peracetic acid in the same space flammable gases, liquids or solids, compressed or poisonous gases, spontaneous combustibles, dangerous when wet materials, poisons, or radioactive materials.
Tip 10. Empty drums as thoroughly as possible and triple rinse drums before disposal.
Peracetic acid uses.
Workplaces where peracetic acid is used include:
· Meat and poultry processing plants
· Dairy and cheese processing plants
· Healthcare facilities
· Food establishments
· Beverage plants, including breweries and wineries
· Paper and pulp facilities
· Water treatment facilities
· Cooling water towers
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is in the process of evaluating whether to develop an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value for peracetic acid. Note: An IDLH value is the maximum (airborne concentration) level above which only a highly reliable breathing apparatus providing maximum worker protection is permitted.
According to NIOSH’s draft IDLH value profile an IDLH value of 1.7 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) over 30 minutes is recommended for peracetic acid
Oxidizing agent, causes severe burns. May cause fire. Harmful by Inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Safety Data (MSDS)

| Product Name | Peracetic Acid 32% |
| Part Number | RXSOL-15-1267-032 |
Company Details:
RX MARINE INTERNATIONAL
105, A wing , BSEL , TECH PARK
VASHI ,NEW BOMBAY 400703 INDIA
Stock Point : Fujairah. Mumbai, Kandla, Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Muscat, Nairobi
| Phone | +91 22 27815540 / 41 / 42 |
| Fax | +91 22 2781 1318 :::AOH :0091 9821214367 |
| mail@rxmarine.com | |
| Website | www.rxmarine.com |

Synonyms : Peroxyacetic acid, Acetyl Hydro peroxide
Molecular formula : C2H4O3 / CH3COOOH
Contains no hazardous ingredients according to GHS.

Classification of the substance or mixture
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard communication standard 29 CFR 1910.1200; the SDS and labels contain all the information as required by the standard.
Emergency Overview
| Form | : | Liquid |
| Physical state | : | Liquid |
| Color | : | colorless |
| Odor | : | pungent |
| OSHA Hazards | : | No OSHA Hazards |
| Classification | : | Not a hazardous substance or mixture. |
| Labeling | : | Not a hazardous substance or mixture. |
Carcinogenicity:
IARC
No ingredient of this product present at levels greater than or equal to 0.1% is identified as probable, possible or confirmed human carcinogen by IARC.
NTP
No ingredient of this product present at levels greater than or equal to 0.1% is identified as a known or anticipated carcinogen by NTP.
ACGIH
No ingredient of this product present at levels greater than or equal to 0.1% is identified as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by ACGIH.

General advice :
If inhaled : Remove from exposure, lie down .Keep warm. Oxygen or artificial respiration if needed.Obtain medical attention
In case of skin contact :Wash off immediately with plenty of water removing all contaminated clothes and shoes.If skin irritation persists, call a physician.
In case of eye contact : Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minute and seek medical advice.
If swallowed : Rinse mouth with water .Drink plenty water .Do not induces vomiting .Call a physician immediately

Flash point : 80 oC
Autoignition temperature : 395 oC
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters : Wear a safe contained breathing apparatus, suit protecting against chemicals.
Further information : Standard procedure for chemical fires. Use extinguishing measures that are appropriate to local circumstances and the surrounding environment..
Fire and explosion protection : Water, spray. Do not use dry chemical powder type.
Hazardous decomposition products : Contact with combustible material. May cause fire. Heating >110 oC may cause an explosion.

Environmental precautions : Prevent product from entering drains, into the environment.
Methods for cleaning up : Dam up. Flush very dilute solution into sewer with plenty of water .Contact the proper local authorities. Never return spills in original container of reuse.

Handling
Advice on safe handling : Never return unused material to storage receptacle. Avoid exposure. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation. Ware suitable protective clothes. Open drum/container carefully .Content may be under pressure.
Advice on protection against fire and explosion : Keep away from sources of ignition .No smoking .Keep away from combustible material. Protect from Contamination .Do not heat over + 30 oC
Storage
Requirements for storage areas and containers : Keep in a cool, well-ventilated plate .keep away from heat, direct sunlight and sources of ignition .Store in original container equipped with a vent. Don’t keep more than 12 months.
Incompatible products : Metal chloride, bases, reducing agents, organic materials, contamination.

Engineering measures
Provide mechanical local exhaust ventilation to prevent release of mist into the work area. If release use respiratory protection.
Exposure limits :
| ChemicalName | ACGIH(TLV) | OSHA(PELs) | Supplier |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 1 ppm (TWA) = 1.4 mg / m3 | 1 ppm (TWA) = 1.4 mg / m3 | |
| Acetic Acid |
10 ppm (TWA) = 25 mg / m3 15 ppm (STEL) = 37 mg / m3 |
10 ppm (TWA) = 25 mg / m3 | |
| Peracetic Acid | - | - | 0.15 ppm (TWA ) = 0.46 mg / m3 |
ACGIH (TLV) = ACGIS & TLV are registered trademarks of The American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists OSHA (PELs) = Standard of The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Personal protective equipment
Respiratory protection : In case of insufficient ventilation ware suitable respiratory equipment (filter type B/P3)
Hand protection : Butyl /viton groves. Do not wear leather gloves; do not ware cotton gloves (risk of fire)
Eye protection : Tightly fitting safety goggles and face-shield .Eye wash bottle with pure water.
Skin and body protection : Full protective chemical resistant clothing ,Do not wear leather shoes, Safety shower
Hygiene measures : Avoid exposure.
Gloves Suit

Information on basic physical and chemical properties
Appearance
| Form | : | Liquid |
| Physical state | : | Liquid |
| Color | : | Colorless |
| Odor | : | Pungent |
| Flash point | : | 80 oC |
| Lower explosion limit | : | No data available |
| Upper explosion limit | : | No data available |
| Oxidizing properties | : | Strong oxidizing |
| Autoignition temperature | : | No data available |
| Decomposition temprature | : | 40 oC SADT ( tank container or tank vehicle max 20 ton ) >/= 65 oC SADT ( IBC max 1.5 m3 ) |
| Molecular formula | : | C2H4O3 / CH3COOOH |
| Molecular weight | : | 76 |
| PH | : | 1 |
| Pour point | : | No data available |
| Boiling point/boiling range | : | 109 oC |
| Vapor pressure | : | 22 mm Hg @ 25 oC |
| Relative density | : | No data available |
| Water solubility | : | completely soluble (100% @ 25 oC) |
| Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water | : |
Acetic acid log P ow = -0.17 Peracetic acid log P ow = -0.924 |
| Viscosity, kinematic | : | No data available |
| Relative vapor density | : | No data available |
| Evaporation rate | : | > 1 |
| Percent volatile | : | No data available |

Possibility of hazardous reactions
Conditions to avoid : High temperatures. Protect from light .Keep away from heat, contamination.
Materials to avoid : Combustible material, flammable materials, reducing agents, organic material metal chlorides, bases, contamination, rust, dirt.
Thermal decomposition : No data available
Hazardous decomposition products : Heating release irritative and acrid gases.

Acute toxicity :
Peracetic acid : LD 50 / oral/ rat = 652 mg / kg
LD 50 / dermal/rabbit = >200 mg / kg
LC 50 / inhalation / 1 hour/ rat = 590 mg /m3
Ingestion causes burns of the upper digestive tracts and gastrointestinal burns. Inhalation of aerosols may cause irritation to mucous membranes, inflammation, and edema of the lungs
Primary irritation : Causes sever burns.
Sensitisation : no data available
Long term toxicity : no data available

Persistence and degradability : Depending on circumstance, degradable
Bioaccumulation : Does not accumulation
Mobility : no data available
Ecotoxicity effects
Acetic acid : LD 50 / 96hrs. / fathead minnows = 88 mg/l
LD 50 / 96 hrs./ Blugill sunfish = 75 mg/l
LD 50 / 24 hrs. / daphnia = 47 mg/l
Peracetic acid : LD 50 / 96 hrs. / rainbow trout = 10-18 mg/l (12% )
Very toxic to aquatic organism
Hydrogen Peroxide : LD 50 / 96 hrs./ Golden orfe = 35 mg/l
LD 50 / 168 hrs. / fathead minnows = 22-33 mg/l
LD 50 / 96 hrs./ rainbow trout = 38.5 mg/l
EC 50 / daphnia = 2.4-7.7 mg/l
LC 50 / algae > 1.7 mg/l

Contaminated packaging : In accordance with local and national regulations. Rinse empty container with water before disposal .Do not reuse empty container for other purposes.
Waste from residue /unused product : In accordance with local and national regulations, see also accidental release measures. Wear personal protective equipment. Diluted aqueous solution can be disposed as waste water, when in compliance with local regulations. Do not dispose of undiluted solutions into sewer.

The shipping descriptions shown here are for bulk shipments only, and may not apply to shipments in non-bulk packages (see regulatory definition).
Consult the appropriate domestic or international mode-specific and quantity-specific Dangerous Goods Regulations for additional shipping description requirements (e.g., technical name or names, etc.) Therefore, the information shown here, may not always agree with the bill of lading shipping description for the material. Flashpoints for the material may vary slightly between the SDS and the bill of lading.
US DOT (United States Department Of Transportation)
Not regulated as a hazardous material or dangerous goods for transportation by this agency.
IMO / IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)
Not regulated as a hazardous material or dangerous goods for transportation by this agency.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
Not regulated as a hazardous material or dangerous goods for transportation by this agency.
ADR (Agreement On Dangerous Goods By Road (Europe))
Not regulated as a hazardous material or dangerous goods for transportation by this agency.
RID (Regulations Concerning The International Transport Of Dangerous Goods (Europe))
Not regulated as a hazardous material or dangerous goods for transportation by this agency.
ADN (European Agreement Concerning The International Carriage Of Dangerous Goods By Inland Waterways)
Not regulated as a hazardous material or dangerous goods for transportation by this agency.
Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code

National legislation
SARA 311/312 Hazards : No SARA Hazards
CERCLA Reportable Quantity : This material does not contain any components with a CERCLA RQ.
SARA 302 Reportable Quantity : This material does not contain any components with a SARA 302 RQ.
SARA 302 Threshold Planning Quantity : SARA 302: No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 304 Reportable Quantity : This material does not contain any components with a section 304 EHS RQ.
SARA 313 Ingredients : SARA 313: This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
Clean Air Act
Ozone-Depletion Potential : This product neither contains, nor was manufactured with a Class I or Class II ODS as defined by the U.S. Clean Air Act Section 602 (40 CFR 82, Subpt. A, App.A + B).
This product does not contain any hazardous air pollutants (HAP), as defined by the U.S. Clean Air Act Section 12 (40 CFR 61).
This product does not contain any chemicals listed under the U.S. Clean Air Act Section 112(r) for Accidental Release Prevention (40 CFR 68.130, Subpart F).
The following chemical(s) are listed under the U.S. Clean Air Act Section 111 SOCMI Intermediate or Final VOC's (40 CFR 60.489):
Polypropylene Glycol - 25322-69-4
US State Regulation
| Pennsylvania Right To Know | : |
No components are subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. |
| New Jersey Right To Know | : | No components are subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. |
| California Prop. 65 Ingredients | : |
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth, or any other reproductive defects. WARNING! This product contains a chemical known in the State of California to cause cancer. Propylene oxide |
| Europe REACH | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |
| United States of America TSCA | : | On TSCA Inventory |
| Canada DSL | : | All components of this product are on the Canadian DSL. |
| Australia AICS | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |
| New Zealand NZIoC | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |
| Japan ENCS | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |
| Korea KECI | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |
| Philippines PICCS | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |
| China IECSC | : | On the inventory, or in compliance with the inventory |

NFPA Classification : Health Hazard: 3
Fire Hazard: 1
Stability: 2
Special Precautuion: H
NFPA Ratings Legend :
Severe =4; Serious =3; Moderate =2; Slight =1; Minimal =0
Protection =H (Sefty goggles. gloves, apron, the use of supplied air or SCBA Respirator is Requred in lieu of a vapor cartidge respiroator)
Further information
The information provided in this safety data sheet is correct to the best our knowledge at the data of its publication. The information given is designed only as guidance for safe handing use processing storage, transportation disposal and release and is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification, since the conditions of the operations mentions are beyond our control. The information relates only to the specific material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any other materials or in any process unless specified in the text .RX Marine International . Disclaims any liability for loss or damage resulting from the use these data ,information or suggestions
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY :The information in this SDS was obtained from sources which we believe are reliable. However, the information is provided without any warranty, express or implied, regarding its correctness. The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use or disposal of the product are beyond our control and may be beyond our knowledge. For this and other reasons, we do not assume responsibility and expressly disclaim liability for loss, damage or expense arising out of or in any way connected with the handling, storage, use or disposal of the product. This MSDS was prepared and is to be used only for this product. If the product is used as a component in another product, this MSDS information may not be applicable.
===============================================================================================