Below are links to the opening statements of the witnesses at the Senate hearing on "Evaluating the Health Impacts of the Gulf of Mexico Spill"-Children More at Risk, Effects of Contact" That is followed by Chairman Tom Harkin opening statement and that is followed by a few comments from the witnesses. But to sum up, according to Dr. Lisa Kaplowitz the long term effects are unknown and has kicked off a massive study, symptoms of exposure are detailed by Dr. John Howard. who addressed the issue of full time respirators and the affects of exposure. Mike Taylor of the FDA told what they are doing to keep food coming from the region safe. Children are more at risk because they are more active and take more breaths than do adults.