These hearings examine the problem of lead poisoning in children and explore the consequences of the transfer of funds for lead-screening efforts to the maternal child health block grant. Lead toxicity is described as probably the most significant and pervasive environmental illness in the United States. Testimony asserts that the effect of the block grant approach to funding lead screening has been severe, with reductions in operating budgets and numbers of children screened. Furthermore, witnesses conclude that the block grant approach has failed with respect to lead-screening programs. Recommendations for remedying the situation, focusing mainly on the restoration of lead-screening programs to categorical funding status, are offered. Pediatricians, public health personnel, and academicians giving testimony describe the effects of lead poisoning on the nervous systems of children and on the chromosomes of adult workers and point out the need for continued program funding. Also included in the record are (1) a legislative history of the lead-based paint poisoning prevention program and (2) a review of how block grants have affected 10 of the nation's most needed lead-screening programs. (RH)