What factor is described as potentially causing intellectual disabilities due to exposure levels?

The factor that is described as potentially causing intellectual disabilities due to exposure levels is environmental radiation. Exposure to high levels of environmental radiation, especially during critical periods of brain development, can adversely affect neurological development. This exposure can result in various cognitive impairments, including intellectual disabilities. Studies have shown that radiation can disrupt normal brain growth and development, leading to long-term deficits in cognitive function.

In contrast, while factors like congenital hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and malnutrition can also lead to intellectual disabilities, they are not typically categorized under exposure levels in the same way that environmental radiation is. Congenital hypothyroidism primarily results from a deficiency in thyroid hormone, hypoglycemia is related to low blood sugar levels, and malnutrition focuses on inadequate nutrition intake. These conditions may not be directly linked to environmental factors in the way that radiation exposure is. Thus, environmental radiation is uniquely positioned as a potential cause of intellectual disabilities linked to specific exposure circumstances.