The Village of Mount Prospect has alerted residents on their official Facebook page that residents are becoming increasingly concerned about a black, soot-like residue found on their house exteriors, vehicles, patio furniture, plants and garbage bins — especially on the north side of Mount Prospect.
The Village of Mount Prospect is logging all reports and has notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability, and Chicago Executive Airport as part of an investigation.
Similar concerns have popped up in Arlington Heights near the Scarsdale and Stonegate neighborhoods.
Area Reports with Residue Observations in Mount Prospect
Central and Wolf
Euclid and River
North Maple
Just South of Randhurst Village
Golf and Elmhurst
Mount Prospect Road between Golf and Dempster
Initial speculation is targeting factory emissions, excess vehicle emissions, general air quality issues and Canadian wildfires, insect residue from insect infestations, excess tree sap and other vegetation debris, fungus infestations on vegetation, dry weather conditions with lack of rain, or a combination of these factors.
This week, the National Weather Service Chicago warned that drought conditions are worsening across the area. In a report for October 7, 2025 released October 9, 2025 by the US Drought Monitor, west and northwest Cook County, including Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights, is in a “Moderate Drought rating (D1). Widespread temperatures from 10-20 degrees above normal occurred across the region, adding extra stress to areas experiencing drought or abnormal dryness, according to the US Drought Monitor. Dry weather and warmer than normal temperatures are forecast for the rest of October 2025. The drought has also caused odor to emanate from storm sewers that are dried out.
Drought Intensity Categories
D1 Moderate Drought
D2 Severe Drought
D3 Extreme Drought
D4 Exceptional Drought
On Friday, May 16, 2025 there was a rare Dust Storm Warning activated for northern Illinois when a wall of dust was detected along a line extending from near Somonauk, Illinois to near Dyer, Indiana moving north at 45 mph. The resulting dust caused an acute contamination of dust on vehicles, house exteriors and patio furniture. The Spring, Summer, and Fall remained relatively dry in 2025.
Residents in the northwest suburbs have also reported Box Elder bug infestations, which are known to be a source of stains.
There is also a water-soluble pouch contract packaging and manufacturing plant near Arthur Avenue and Central Road in Arlington Heights that has been involved in complaints about odors in the neighborhood and residue collecting on vehicles nearby.
The Village of Mount Prospect notified residents that there is ongoing monitoring of the residue. Mount Prospect residents with questions or concerns, are encouraged to email [email protected]
See also …
Dust Storm Warning for Northern Illinois, Including I-90, I-88, I-55, I-290 and More
Drought Conditions Worsening Across the Area
Village of Mount Prospect’s Post on “Soot-like residue”
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
facebook …
Please ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Page. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …
Help fund The Cardinal Arlingtoncardinal.com/sponsor
THANKS FOR READING CARDINAL NEWS
