What health effect can lead exposure cause regarding blood pressure?

Lead exposure is well-documented to cause an increase in blood pressure, making high blood pressure the correct answer. This is particularly concerning because elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke. Lead interferes with the body's ability to regulate blood pressure and vascular health, and studies have found a consistent link between lead exposure and increased blood pressure levels.

In contrast, the other possible answers do not reflect the established scientific knowledge regarding lead exposure and blood pressure. For instance, decreased blood pressure and low blood pressure misinterpret the effects of lead, as lead toxicity does not lead to these outcomes. Similarly, stating there is no effect ignores the substantial evidence showing the relationship between lead exposure and hypertension.