List a health effect of long-term exposure to lead.

Long-term exposure to lead is known to have detrimental health effects, particularly on the nervous system. Neurological damage is one of the most significant outcomes of prolonged lead exposure. This can manifest as cognitive deficits, developmental delays in children, and irreversible damage to brain functions in adults. Children are especially vulnerable, as lead can hinder brain development, leading to lasting impacts on learning and behavior.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the consequences of lead exposure. For instance, improved cognitive function and enhanced motor skills run contrary to established research, which emphasizes declines in these areas due to lead toxicity. Similarly, while many health conditions can affect blood pressure, lead exposure typically causes an increase in blood pressure rather than a decrease, as lead is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Thus, neurological damage remains the primary and most concerning health effect associated with chronic lead exposure.