What is a major risk associated with lead exposure?

Lead exposure poses a significant risk of cumulative poisoning because lead accumulates in the body over time, particularly in bones and soft tissues. When absorbed, lead disrupts various cellular processes and can negatively impact multiple organ systems. This accumulation often goes unnoticed initially, as symptoms may not appear until lead levels in the body are considerably high, making it a silent and insidious health hazard. Chronic lead exposure can lead to serious health conditions such as neurological damage, cardiovascular issues, and reproductive problems.

In contrast, while the other options might represent health concerns, they are not primarily associated with lead exposure. Respiratory diseases are typically linked to pollutants like tobacco smoke or industrial chemicals, skin infections usually result from bacteria or fungi, and vision impairment is more often related to other factors such as aging or medical conditions rather than lead.