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The statement that best defines "medical oxygen" is that it is high-purity oxygen specifically intended for medical treatment. Medical oxygen is designed to be utilized in various healthcare settings to support patients with respiratory distress, those who need oxygen therapy for chronic conditions, or individuals recovering from surgeries. This type of oxygen is regulated to ensure its purity and safety, making it distinct from other forms of oxygen that may not meet the stringent purity standards required for medical use.

High-purity oxygen means that the gas is at least 99% pure, ensuring that it is free from contaminants that could be harmful when inhaled. This quality is critical in medical settings to ensure it effectively supports patient health without introducing additional risks. In contrast, other types of oxygen, such as industrial-grade oxygen, do not meet these healthcare-related purity standards and are not suitable for medical applications.