Mount Prospect resident Mike Cioffi's car is covered with a black soot. The village is looking into similar occurrences. Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

Mount Prospect residents are concerned about a black, sootlike residue they are finding on surfaces of their homes and vehicles in the northern part of town.

Village officials said staff has logged all reports and notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability and Chicago Executive Airport for further review and investigation.

"The village is working with our regional partners to identify the source of the residue," said William Schroeder, Mount Prospect's director of building and inspection services.

But the problem might be more widespread. Officials said they are also learning of similar reports in surrounding communities.

Columbine Drive resident Mike Cioffi said the problem cropped up about four months ago.

He said the car in his driveway, which is spotted with soot, is parked near a tree, which led him to suspect that might be the source.

"But the couch covers on the patio furniture are pretty covered, and there are no trees," he said.

Burning Bush Lane resident Nancy Parra recently told the village board the residue appears on outside objects, such as cars and bins.

"It's brown, very dirty, sticky," she said. "Even car washes can't get all of it off the cars."

She said people are guessing it could be tree sap, insect residue or even a source from a factory.

"I find it hard to believe that it would be natural causes, because we haven't seen it in 30 years," she said.

The village is monitoring the issue and officials told residents updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Meanwhile, residents with additional questions or observations are encouraged to contact the Building Division at building@mountprospect.org.

"We appreciate residents bringing this to our attention and encourage anyone who notices similar issues to report them so that we can continue to share accurate information with the investigating agencies," Schroeder said.

Mystery soot alarming Mount Prospect residents who report sticky residue on cars, homes