Wearing adequate thermal protection is crucial for divers to prevent which condition?

Wearing adequate thermal protection is crucial for divers primarily to prevent hypothermia. When divers are submerged in water, especially in cold environments, their body heat can be lost rapidly. This is because water conducts heat away from the body far more efficiently than air does. When a diver's body temperature falls below the normal range, it can lead to hypothermia, which can impair physical and mental functions and pose significant safety risks.

To mitigate this risk, divers employ various types of thermal protection, including wetsuits, drysuits, and other insulating gear designed to maintain body warmth. This thermal protection not only helps preserve core body temperature but also enhances comfort during dives, allowing divers to remain underwater for extended periods while minimizing the risk of hypothermia.

Other conditions mentioned in the options, such as asphyxiation, decompression sickness, and carbon monoxide poisoning, relate to different aspects of diving safety and physiological responses rather than to the thermal regulation required for thermal protection.