英文分詞觀念問題

Bottled water is mostly sold in plastic bottles and that’s why it is potentially health threatening . Processing the plastic can lead to the release of harmful chemical substances into the water contained in the bottles. The chemicals can be absorbed into the body and ____ physical discomfort, such as stomach cramps and diarrhea.

(A) cause
(B) causing
(C) caused

請問以上哪個是正確答案??
為什麼???