Lang J, et al. – Via performing a cross-sectional study involving 612 males who attended a surveillance program for asbestos-related disease (ARD) and received routine examinations including lung function testing at a German university hospital study center from August 2008 to August 2013, researchers investigated whether non-malignant ARD and lung function impairment have differential impacts on mental health and psychological strain. Obstructive functional impairment was the most robust predictor for mental health. Furthermore, psychological strain was prognosticated by the presence of a non-malignant ARD. In all, the presence of mental health symptoms was found to be related to ventilation disturbances, while the information of an already begun morphological variation—led by asbestos exposure—may be principally correlated with psychological strain. Particularly, affected individuals are more inclined to intrusive thoughts and a distinct fear of asbestos-related cancer. The researchers suggested that physicians should be sensitized regarding the potential outcomes of risk communication and functional impairment to neutralize excessive fear or anxiety.