Hood insulation?

Will it hurt anything or damage my paint if i remove this rats nest/ fire hazard looking material under the hood?

 

Wtf I'm surprised it hasn't caught on fire yet, take it off. I have no idea what that is. Maybe sound dampening material?

 

its ment to keep heat in when its cold out. But rip it out!!!!

 

i just got this truck and got to looking at it while doing some mantinence and thought man this can't be too safe lol looks like a huge rats nest thanks guys its coming out in the morning lol

 

It is used as sound dampening and a form of heat shield/fire retardant. In the event of an engine fire the plastic tabs that hold it up melt and drop it on top of the engine. It won't put the fire out but smothers it (somewhat). It made fighting an engine fire a PITA!

It's ok to remove it... my 09 doesn't even have it.