Which of the following diseases is NOT considered cancer but is associated with asbestos exposure?

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue. While it is directly associated with asbestos exposure, asbestosis is classified as a non-cancerous condition. The disease results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness, and it can lead to complications over time, but it does not involve the uncontrolled cell growth that characterizes cancers.

In contrast, mesothelioma and lung cancer are both malignancies directly linked to asbestos exposure, as they arise from abnormal cell growth in the lungs or the lining of the lungs. Malignant pleural disease, which can encompass conditions like pleural effusions or thickening of the pleura associated with cancer, is also related to malignant processes tied to asbestos. Therefore, asbestosis stands out as the only option that is not classified as a cancer, reinforcing its status as an occupational disease related to asbestos rather than a malignancy.