Which of the following is NOT one of the three main diseases associated with asbestos?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not classified as one of the three main diseases specifically associated with asbestos exposure. The three primary conditions recognized in relation to asbestos are asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition directly caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue. Lung cancer can result from asbestos exposure, particularly in individuals who also smoke, as asbestos can initiate or exacerbate cancerous growth. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs and is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.

COPD, on the other hand, generally arises from long-term exposure to harmful substances, primarily cigarette smoke, and while asbestos can contribute to respiratory issues, it is not the defining factor or primary causal agent in COPD cases. Thus, identifying COPD as outside the trio of major asbestos-associated diseases is accurate within the context of asbestos-related health impacts.