I would definitely remove it. You do not want asbestos inside your house - even if it is a solid piece now - with time and heating/cooling cycles it will start to flake.

If you want to do it the right way (expensive) go the pro hazmat way

Personally I would buy a GOOD respirator (not that cheap cloth kind) and do it outside - under a tub of water.

As for disposing of the asbestos you will have to find out about regulations in your area.

Asbestos is more likely to cause bronchogenic carcinoma than mesothelioma. But most mesotheliomas are linked to asbestos exposures from shipyards & housing insulation.

This risk is synergistically increased (for bronchogenic carcinoma) if you are a smoker.


Do not play around with this stuff - it is not worth the health risks.