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But vacations and parties can lead to accidental poisonings when people become less vigilant with food safety and keeping cooking and cleaning supplies and medications out of the reach of children.

Staff members at the Palmetto Poison Center at the South Carolina College of Pharmacy in Columbia say vacations, fun in the sun and food left out in the heat too long can create serious health risks. Dr. Jill Michels, director of the Palmetto Poison Center, is available this week to discuss summer poisonings and to give tips on prevention.

To arrange interviews, call Karen Petit at 803-777-5400.