[MrFixr55]

The issue of asbestos in consumer products is complicated and controversial. I seem to remember an article somewhere on how to safely remediate the asbestos sheet by painting it, but I can't find it now. By encapsulating the sheet, it can be left in place or removed. However, the paint must also be heat resistant and the application of the paint has to be in a manner that the actual application does not release asbestos fibers. Many state government fact sheets on handling construction where asbestos is encountered state that if the material is in good condition, then just don't disturb it. However, if the asbestos is "friable" (can be crushed into a powder), it is particularly dangerous.

Compared to the amount of asbestos in a building, even a single family home built before the late 1980s, the size of this insulation is likely less than one square foot. However, there is no stated safe level of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is still out there, in roofing material, older shingles, and may even be still found in vehicle brake shoes, especially those imported from China.

However, this statement is not meant to minimize the danger of handling asbestos. Most diseases caused by asbestos are permanent and some, including mesothelioma are terminal. There are several articles on asbestos, particularly in Wikipedia, and on state websites.

Hope this helps.