Commercial Building mold

Signs That Your Commercial Building Should Be Mold-Tested

Mold spores can be found almost anywhere. It can be found in various settings, including the outdoors, inside, home, and work. Mold is quite common in office buildings and other commercial structures. In reality, no indoor environment, including a hospital’s surgical operating room, is fully free of mold spores. The subject of how much mold there is and whether it impacts your employees, residents, or customers is frequently asked.

Mold testing in NYC can also help identify hidden mold, measure overall indoor air quality, and determine the type of mold or other contaminants that have infested your facility. Professional mold testing has two objectives. The first step is to look for mold or mildew in the structure. The second step is to identify any moisture issues contributing to the situation.

Is Your Building Sick?

The term “sick building syndrome” refers to situations in which building occupants experience acute but non-specific health problems that appear to be linked to their time spent there. It has become a legal problem for many New York City companies and a productivity drain on employees and workers. Any company, including commercial office buildings, retail and manufacturing facilities, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, residential apartments and condominiums, and even schools, can be affected by sick building syndrome.

Mold needs water to thrive, and the most common sources of water include leaking pipes, water seeping in through foundations, and leaking roofs. Previous water issues, like leaks and floods that never completely dried up or were never properly remedied, might be a concern. Before your mold testing in Brooklyn begins, inform them of any previous or existing issues. This will make it easier for them to find the issue.

A mold inspection is still a good idea, even if there is no evidence of mold in your business. For example, if you’re selling your building, getting it certified as mold-free can help with the sale.

Professional air testing can identify whether and in what quantities toxins exist. The samples are inspected and verified in a laboratory, providing official proof that your commercial building has a problem.

Maintain the health and safety of your employees and customers.

Mold intolerance affects certain people more than others. Young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are all at risk. When exposed to mold spores for a longer period, even healthy people might develop allergy reactions, respiratory issues, and other long-term ailments.

Some claimants have filed work-related lawsuits due to mold exposure in the workplace. Though plaintiffs must show a link between their place of employment and their health concerns, it appears that if the workplace has a big mold problem, that problem could be used against the company.

Testing and identifying the source of any water or moisture in the structure is the first stage in commercial mold removal. Mold may be safely and successfully removed once the water source has been discovered and fixed. Mold inspectors who work for a living employ high-tech equipment. Infrared inspection, borescopes, moisture meters, and hygrometers are useful tools for finding concealed mold.

Inspections and mold removal procedures can often be done during off-hours at a business to minimize interruption.

New York Mold Specialist can assist you if you are a commercial property owner or landlord who suspects a problem or has received mold violation notices.

Mold Checking Locations

The Most Common Mold Checking Locations Before Renovations

You must compare your estimates to your budget when upgrading your property. Your budget will determine every decision you make throughout the process. Unfortunately, your entire budget plan could be thrown out the window if you discover mold while preparing for your home remodeling.

Mold is not only ugly but also has the potential to cause serious sickness, respiratory irritation, and property damage. As a result, mold removal in Long Island, NY, is very necessary before proceeding with your project.

The only way to stay within budget is to include mold remediation in Long Island as part of the initial process.

Mold Can Be Found in Different Places in Your Home

1. The Bathroom

If your bathroom does not have proper ventilation, mold will thrive in a warm, moist environment. Although most of us are familiar with mold growing on shower tiles, it can also grow in less obvious areas.

Check around the faucets while in the shower. Examine all surfaces of the sink and counters, as well as under and under the toilet tank.

Under the sink is one location that quickly becomes infested with mold before you even realize it. Leaky pipes might drip for months before anybody notices, and the mold may have already invaded the entire cabinet beneath them.

Check your shampoo bottles, hanging loofas or sponges, and even your toothbrush caddy on a regular basis. Although these places have no bearing on your improvements, they are crucial if you have hypersensitive family members.

Mold can grow quietly on any of these surfaces. Ventilate the area, keep surfaces clean and dry, check pipes frequently, and consider adding a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth in your bathroom.

2. The Kitchen

Mold thrives on organic material; thus, it can be found almost anywhere there is food. Mold growth is assisted by the presence of stoves, ovens, and hot water in the kitchen.

Before remodeling, check for rotten food and faulty pipes behind and beneath your sink.

Mold could be forming on food that has been shoved to the back of your pantry for months. If the right conditions exist, the mold can quickly spread.

Food that falls behind and under the stove can also lead to mold growth. They won’t be found until the appliances are relocated.

Mold can quickly grow if the garbage bin is kept in a cabinet and not detected and stopped. Clean the garbage can and the cabinet floors and walls, which may be polluted, regularly.

Keeping places clean and dry, as well as proper ventilation in the room to disperse humidity and moisture, is the key to mold prevention in your kitchen, just as it is in your bathroom.

3. The Attic

Mold in the attic is a regular occurrence. Mold is likely to form in your very warm attic due to the wet weather and humid circumstances – whether in the insulation, around vents and soffits, or anywhere water is leaking into the attic from the roof.

Because mold is airborne, this area of mold growth is particularly hazardous. It can easily get into your vents and air conditioning ducts and spread throughout your house.

New York Mold Specialist will help you with mold removal and remediation professionally. Contact Now!

Growth of Mold

What are the Methods to Prevent the Growth of Mold in Long Island?

The climate on Long Island is hot and humid. While these weather conditions are ideal for spending time outside, they may also encourage mold growth inside your home. And this is where mold remediation in Long Island comes in handy. Contact the professionals and get the job done!

Long Island homes have a higher chance of mold problems than properties in places with drier climates. This isn’t only about your home’s looks being ruined. Mold growth that goes unchecked can lead to a variety of ailments. Mold can also cause physical harm to the surfaces of your home.

This post will look at practical techniques to combat and avoid mold intrusion in your home.

#1 Install HEPA Filters

Do any of the following components have HEPA filters installed?

  • Register for return air
  • Supply duct registers for cooling and heating
  • The inhalation of fresh air

The term “high-efficiency particulate air filter” (HEPA filter) is an abbreviation for “high-efficiency particulate air filter.” These filters catch dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, among other things.

These mechanical filters do an excellent job of eliminating allergens and irritants from your home’s air. Once entering the HEPA filter, the mold spores die. Mold spores cannot thrive in the dry and sterile environment inside the filter because they lack moisture and nutrients.

#2: Inspect the Affected Areas

Mold growth is more likely in several locations of your house. To guarantee that no potentially obvious mold growth goes undiscovered, you should inspect these areas of your home frequently.

Here are some of the most important locations to visit:

  • Ceilings and walls
  • Your rugs on both sides
  • Basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics
  • Furniture made of wood
  • The siding on the outside
  • The roof and its surroundings
  • Your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room’s plumbing systems

You should be aware of more than just real mold colonies. You should be concerned when you notice any water damage, leaks, or even slight stains.

The signs of water damage and leaks are easy to spot. Many homeowners, however, are curious about the appearance of mold growth. Although the appearance of each mold strain varies, the following warning signals cover the most common characteristics and symptoms of all strains:

  • Moldy patches of various colors, such as green, white, yellow, blue, and black
  • The mold patches that are suspected are generally uneven in shape.
  • A musty odor is reminiscent of wet basements or crawl spaces.
  • Wood or other building materials discoloration
  • The mold in question appears slimy or fuzzy.
  • Surfaces such as textiles and wood begin to rot or disintegrate when exposed to mold.

#3: Use A Hygrometer

Digital hygrometers can help you detect the presence of mold in your house. Keeping a check on your home’s moisture levels is a good idea now that it’s been shown that high indoor humidity is linked to mold growth.

There are multiple hygrometers on the market. These devices are referred to as humidity gauges or humidity meters.

Your property’s yearly median indoor humidity level should be less than 60%. Mold spores prefer an interior atmosphere with a more than 70% humidity level.

For mold removal in Long Island, you can now directly contact New York  Mold Specialist. Get in touch with us now!

Prevent Mold Growth During Construction

How Can I Prevent Mold Growth During Construction?

Mold is one of the nightmares which no property owner wants to deal with. But there is no need to worry anymore! Mold remediation in Long Island NY is now possible. You can call a professional company for the same and get the job done.

How Mold Thrives?

Mold spores are always present in the air, and all they require is food, water, and heat to bloom into a problem. Mold will eat everything made of organic stuff, including drywall and ceiling tiles, which is bad news for you.

The presence of organic material during early construction is limited, especially if the flooring is concrete and the framework is metal. Due to the hardness of the material, even wood framing and subfloors can be difficult for mold to colonize in the brief time they are exposed. On the other hand, Wood can grow mold if left exposed for an extended period of time. Drywall and ceiling tiles, on the other hand, are especially susceptible to mold due to the soft organic matter that makes them up. Mold can start growing on certain materials within 48-72 hours of first getting wet.

How Can Mold Be Prevented During Construction?

It’s as simple as keeping vulnerable materials dry to prevent mold growth during construction. In reality, this implies that your construction company must focus on three key areas:

Before putting drywall or installing ceilings, “dry-in” the structure. The term “drying-in” refers to the act of sealing the building envelope to prevent water from penetrating the interior. Installing a water-tight roof, outside siding, windows, seals around windows, and other openings is part of this process.

Before you start drying in, make sure any wet things are completely dry. After a rain event, wood subfloors and framing can trap moisture and release it back into the indoor environment after drying in, which can be absorbed by drywall and promote mold growth. This can be avoided by giving these materials plenty of time and space to dry before putting them in.

During construction, eliminate or remediate additional sources of humidity. Even if a building has been thoroughly dried, mold can form if excessive moisture is brought into the structure. This is particularly common when a structure is being renovated and asbestos or the drywall needs to be removed. Water is used to manage dust in these procedures, and dehumidifiers may be required during the construction phase.

What to Look for, and When

Add moisture to your inspection checklist during walk-throughs to verify your mold removal company in Long Island is doing everything possible to avoid costly mold concerns. Specifically:

Prior to the installation of the drywall. Before starting this project, make sure the building envelope is sealed tight–that is, the roof, external siding, and windows are all installed and that all gaps are sealed. Also, make sure that any wet wood or other materials have been allowed to dry out first.

During and after the demolition. Check that sufficient dehumidification is used during the removal of asbestos and drywall, both of which consume a lot of water. Any excess water is removed before new materials are put in if your project is restored. It is important to keep the relative humidity below 60%.

New York Mold Specialist is the best bet for you if you are looking for mold removal or remediation. Contact now!

Prevent Mold Growth

How to Clean and Prevent Mold Growth from Electronic Equipment?

Mold may thrive in any environment, even electronic devices. Mold is a possibility as long as there is moisture. However, even if there is no moisture, a spore can remain dormant until moisture is present.

Mold reproduces by means of spores. Mold is transported through the air, allowing it to reach both the exterior and interior of a structure. Mold has the ability to contaminate everything, including electrical equipment, once it penetrates the interior of a building or residence.

When this occurs, the home or business owners may be unaware. This is due to the small spore particles blending in with the existing dust particles. The mold, on the other hand, quickly begins to colonize. Mold grows in colonies and becomes more noticeable over time, disrupting daily activities and products.

If you’re not sure if you have mold or not, it’s a good idea to get a mold inspection in Long Island to figure out what you’re up against.

The Problem

Most electronic equipment uses fans to keep its motors and processors cool. These fans’ intake ducting collects dust particles. Mold spores mix together with dust particles, so mold spores can also be entering the intake ducts.

Typically, mold is cleansed and removed using bleach or disinfectant spray. Each of these products destroys mold and prevents further mold growth in the area. Bleach and disinfectant cleaners, on the other hand, might cause more harm to electronic equipment.

Bleaches and disinfectant sprays should not be used on electronic equipment. Hence other methods must be found.

Electronic equipment is damaged by the chemicals in cleaning products and by dampness. If there is no risk of harm, electronic equipment should not be exposed to excessive wetness. To eliminate mold that has grown on electrical equipment, it must first be dried.

Cleaning the Electronic Equipment’s Exterior

For your safety, the first step in mold removal in Long Island from electrical equipment is to make sure you’re using gloves and a mask. After you’ve mastered that, you can move on to cleaning the outside or outer shell.

The bleach and disinfectant products described above can be used to clean these locations. Special caution is required when putting these solutions on the outside of electronic equipment.

Whether using bleach or disinfectant, only use a tiny amount of the substance. To avoid any damage, wipe clean the exterior and outer shell entirely, swiftly, and thoroughly after using these solutions.

It is critical to ensure that no moisture reaches the interior of the device. When the area has been cleaned, make sure it is completely wiped down with a soft cloth that will not scratch or scrape the equipment.

If you are looking for professional help, then New York Mold Specialist is the best choice for you. We are the experts in this domain and know how to go forward with the projects accordingly. If you have any mold issues, just let us know, and we will be there!

Water Damage New York

Tips to Prevent Water and Fire Damage

Disaster can strike at any time, generally when people least expect it. But, before you call the best restoration companies in your region, it’s always good to realize that certain disasters can be avoided even before they occur.

Households are especially vulnerable to fire and flood damage in New York around the holidays. As a result, everyone talks about the next years as a family custom to keep the fun from becoming a nightmare. It’s crucial to educate yourself on avoiding water and fire damage.

Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy

Anywhere, at any time, a fire can erupt. As a result, in a fire, houses should maintain a fire extinguisher on hand. Because they are two of the most fire-prone locations in a home, the kitchen and garage are good places to put fire extinguishers.

Keep a Check on the Leaks

A leaking pipe in your home can cause major structural water damage in New York, even if it only leaks for a short time. If you notice any leaks around your house, have them fixed right away. It’s essential to have a water damage plan in place that you try to follow as closely as possible.

If you have a couple of mop buckets and towels on hand, having an iron pipe on hand in case the water damages your plumbing is always a good idea. You should always contact the top restoration companies in your area if the water damage becomes too severe.

Replace the Old Appliances

When using older appliances, you must exercise extreme caution and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to the point. If you decide to light a candle, for example, make sure you only do it in a safe, open area. If you really must have a tree, invest in electric lights rather than candles.

Fuses should be tested.

It’s usually a good idea to check the fuses and make sure they’re not wet or covered with dust or soot. Also, inspect the wires for moisture and mildew and ensure that they are not cracked or broken.

Put a Check in the Gas Lines

If you have gas lines, you should have them tested by a professional to ensure that they are safe. Following the maintenance of the gas levels, make sure the gas is kept inside closed doors and as far away from water as feasible.

Conclusion

Water and fire damage can occur at any time of year, but they are more likely to occur during the holidays. As a result, it’s preferable to protect the home against potential water and fire damage by avoiding such incidents from occurring.

The best method to refrain from accidents is to keep an eye on the house for potential dangers and fix them as soon as possible. By then, the family should be able to enjoy the holidays without worrying about water or fire hazards at home.

New York Mold Specialist is the best company for water and fire damage restoration. Contact now!

Everything You Should Know About Carpet Mold

Mold is a severe problem in many American houses. It’s extremely aggravating if you discover mold on your carpet. It may be tough for you to decide whether the carpet should be cleaned or thrown away entirely.

It’s vital to keep in mind that mold isn’t only a cosmetic problem. A high mold content in the air may cause moderate to severe health problems in certain persons. As a result, you should always treat mold issues as soon as possible and seek the advice of mold testing professionals in NYC.

We’ll go over all of the major issues about carpet mold in the following paragraphs. You’ll discover how to prevent carpet mold and other important areas of mold control in your house.

Is Your Carpet Infected with Mold?

Look for the following two symptoms that your carpet may be contaminated with mold.

Mold spores give off a musty odor that can be unpleasant to some individuals. When you notice an odor like this, you need to act quickly to get rid of the mold.

Do you notice any discolored areas on your carpeting? Is it possible that something fuzzy is sprouting on the carpet? Carpet mold detection can be straightforward in some circumstances, requiring just visual confirmation.

How Can Carpet Mold Be Prevented in Your Home?

The proactive solution, in this case, is to avoid mold growth in carpeting completely. You must keep them in check, since mold requires certain conditions to grow and thrive. This will extend the life of your carpet and protect it from harm.

Here are some helpful hints for avoiding carpet mold:

Remove any standing water as soon as possible.

Make certain that your carpet isn’t exposed to any standing water. The carpets will be damaged in no time. Following a water leak or accident, for example, exposed carpets must be cleaned and dried.

It’s critical to reach all the components during the cleaning and drying process. Don’t forget to acquire the cushioning and the subfloor as well. This is the only method to keep your carpet from becoming a high-mold-risk location in your house.

There is no way to salvage your carpeting, no matter how much you dry it. In most cases, extensive flooding or long-term soaking necessitates carpet replacement. In extreme instances, it’s the only option to go safely.

Control the humidity in your home.

Dehumidifiers assist in minimizing the amount of moisture in your home. This is one of the most fundamental mold prevention strategies. Because mold spores require water to develop, eliminating extra droplets from interior surfaces and the air reduces the danger of mold.

When your indoor humidity level hits 60%, it’s essential to take action to address the moisture issue. The usual humidity range, on the other hand, is still extremely broad. In most cases, anything between 30% and 60% shouldn’t cause any issues.

Final Words

Carpet mold is a significant health hazard that also degrades the appearance of your house. Keep an eye out for symptoms of visible growth and a musty odor. If your carpet gets saturated, use these easy instructions to figure out what to do next to prevent mold from growing. Contact New York Mold Specialist if you require more assistance with mold development in your carpets or other sections of your house.

Mold: Is It Harmful to Pets?

Mold is seen as a possible health hazard. While not every form of mold is harmful to everyone, you and your family are putting your health at risk if you have mold in your home.

However, many homeowners are unaware that mold exposure can cause health problems in people and animals. Mold may make your dog or cat sick or even kill them if exposed to the worst varieties of mold.

How Can You Keep Your Pets Safe from Mold?

The first step in keeping your dogs safe from mold is to prevent mold from forming in the first place, or better yet, call the mold testing specialists in Brooklyn. An infinite number of mold spores float around in the air at any given time. You don’t want these mold spores to stick to your home’s surfaces and create colonies.

Here are some suggestions for preventing mold growth:

Examine the property’s high-risk areas.

Take a careful look at some of your home’s high-risk zones. The most important thing you can do to reduce the chance of mold formation is to do this. Walls, wooden furniture, carpets, crawl spaces, roofs, ceilings, garages, and any locations with plumbing are examples of these areas.

Even if you can’t detect mold in these high-risk areas, you should check for leaks or water damage. If there is, you should always suspect hidden mold and seek professional help from a mold remediation specialist.

Purchase HEPA filters as well as a hygrometer.

HEPA filters are suggested because they are the most effective at eliminating tiny particles from the air. Purchasing a tested filter from a reputable vendor ensures that mold spores will be removed from your indoor air.

If you don’t already have one, invest in one. Choose digital gadgets that display your home’s humidity levels. Mold development is always a problem when there is a lot of dampness in the air.

If you notice that your home has a high degree of humidity, it’s critical to eliminate the extra moisture. You make it simpler for mold spores to stick to surfaces and spread if you don’t.

Make it a habit to avoid mold after using common items.

Finally, you can make little adjustments to your daily routine. After cooking or showering, make sure to turn on the exhaust fans—the increased air circulation aids in the removal of small water droplets from home surfaces. You may also use ceiling fans and open your windows (if the weather is nice).

Is Mold Harmful to Pets in a Nutshell?

When discussing the dangers of mold, most homeowners concentrate on individuals. Mold exposure, both acute and chronic, can produce several symptoms in dogs. Mold should not be allowed to harm your cats or dogs.

Pets usually inhale mold spores. There are situations when a rapid exposure causes no symptoms. That doesn’t rule out the possibility of long-term consequences. Taking all required efforts to eradicate mold risks from your house and keep your pets safe is always a smart idea.

You can identify, remove, and prevent mold from harming you and your pets with the expertise of NY Mold Specialist. If you’re seeking competent mold removal experts in Long Island to keep your property mold-free, give them a call now.

A Broken Appliance Can Cause a Mold Nightmare

Mold can begin to develop anyplace there is water or moisture. The key to preventing mold formation is to keep water or moisture contained in its own controlled environment.

This implies that water from a shower in the bathroom stays in the shower. Water that falls on a house’s roof runs off down the gutters and onto the ground. It also implies that water flowing through a pipe remains within the pipe. Mold will be less likely to grow if the water stays in the container it was designed for.

Mold is also less likely to form in a place where water is flowing. Mold development is seldom aided by moving or flowing water.

If you’re a homeowner or a landlord, it’s your obligation to ensure that your property is free of mold, which is why hiring mold removal professionals in Long Island, NY, from companies, such as NY Mold Specialist, is so important.

Mold begins to grow when water or moisture remains stagnant.

Mold can form if water or moisture can be collected or lie stagnant in one spot with little or no movement. Mold thrives in areas where moisture or water has been left undisturbed. This implies that water leaks from your shower and collects beneath your shower, tub, or floor can promote mold development.

For instance, if a homeowner had a shower drain fixed and the repair worker did not perform a good job, the water would leak between the drain fittings. Water would seep through the cracks in the floor, through the walls, and into the kitchen cupboards. Because this is a gradual leak, the homeowner would not be aware of a water leak problem for weeks.

The rushing water would collect in the floor joists, above the kitchen cabinet on the first level, and behind the walls. Only when the kitchen begins to smell musty will the homeowner realize there is an issue. To get to the mold, you’d have to rip down some drywall, break out the upstairs bathroom, and do a lot of kitchen work. All of this was caused by a little leak at a drain fitting.

Mold may grow from even the tiniest leak from a broken appliance.

Many household appliances aren’t built or installed with the understanding that a small leak from a damaged fitting or a cracked hose may cause the same kind of water damage and mold disaster. Some of the most prevalent causes of mold infestations in homes are broken or malfunctioning laundry or kitchen equipment.

Water might leak slowly from a minor faulty valve under a dishwasher. The stagnant water is hidden for a long time since the leak is so minor. Mold can start forming in as little as 24-48 hours.

The essential thing is to detect water damage as quickly as possible. Using the services of an emergency mold removal company might also be beneficial. As a result, you must keep an eye out for any water damage concerns as a homeowner. Because water leaking from an appliance frequently occurs in a location where water is used frequently, it is easy to miss the water leakage. It’s all too tempting for a homeowner to believe that water on the kitchen floor is the result of a spilled coffee or water dripping from drying dishes.

Mold on Windows: What Causes It and How to Prevent It?

Windows assist in keeping moisture out of your house, but they also collect all the humidity and wetness that comes in from outside. Mold forms quickly when homeowners do not address excessive moisture on their windows.

Mold typically grows around windows, windowsills, roof leaks, water pipes, and other areas susceptible to water damage or floods. It’s vital to get mold out of your windows. Because if you don’t get rid of it right once, it can easily spread throughout your house. And this may result in health problems for the occupants of the facility.

Infections, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory difficulties can all be caused by mold development. So, especially during a pandemic, it is preferable to avoid mold from forming on your windows and preserve your loved ones from health concerns. Fortunately, we’ll explain what causes mold on your windows in this piece, as well as how to prevent it with the aid of mold remediation professionals in Long Island, NY.

Mold on Windows: What Causes It?

Mold begins to form on windows when dust, germs, dead bugs, pollen, tiny particles, hair, and even dead skin cells come into contact with wet organic matter—mold forms when these particles become moist and subsequently exposed to warmer temperatures. Mold may grow in a variety of places on your window frame. The window glass, panes, window frames, and tracks are all included.

What Can You Do to Stop Mold from Growing on Your Windows?

  • If you have mold or foggy windows in your house, you should consider replacing them with energy-efficient impact windows. Every year, Floridians encounter not just humid weather, but also hurricanes and violent storms. New energy-efficient impact windows will help keep your house cool and dry.
  • Use air conditioning or dehumidifiers to maintain humidity levels at home below 60%. You can assist limit mold growth in your windows by adjusting the interior humidity levels, even if you can’t control the weather in Florida.
  • If you live in a region with a lot of humidity, you should get a dehumidifier. The laundry or kitchen, for example, may have higher humidity levels than any other room in your house.
  • Improve your home’s ventilation by using your air conditioner and fans throughout the year. Even in the winter, the weather in Florida is hot and humid. Cooler air helps to disperse moisture around your home and reduces humidity build-up in “one spot.”
  • Clean your windows on a regular basis; allowing dust and bacteria to collect on your windows will make cleaning them more difficult. If you want help, engage a professional to do the task.

Maintain a Clean Window

If mold has impacted your windows’ operation or your health (or the health of a loved one), the first thing you should do is contact a professional mold removal company in Long Island, such as NY Mold Specialist. To prevent mold from forming again, follow up with a cleaning/maintenance plan for your windows once this step is completed.

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