  The observed oxygen abundances in a number of irregular galaxies have been
compared with predictions of the closed-box model of chemical and photometric
evolution of galaxies. Oxygen is found to be deficient with respect to the
predicted abundances. This is an indicator in favor of loss of heavy elements
via galactic winds or/and of infall of low--abundance gas onto the galaxy.
  The oxygen abundance deficiency observed within the optical edge of a galaxy
cannot be explained by mixing with the gas envelope observed outside the
optical limit. We confirm the widespread idea that a significant part of the
heavy elements is ejected by irregular galaxies in the intergalactic medium.
