While the black stains are either mould or just black dust from attic insulation settled on the.
Black flakes in attic.
And as air circulates through your system it will pick up the mold spores in your ductwork and push them into your home through the air vents which explains the black flakes around your vents.
It is also a potential breeding ground for black mold because it is often hot and humid and there is a potential for water seepage.
A technician can tell you if the problem is the duct liner.
The attic is one of the parts of the home that is not frequently visited especially if it is difficult to access.
Last winter i took a look into the attic and noticed black stains and water marks on a portion of the sheathing material.
If you see those black particles you ll need to have a mold remediation specialist.
When this seepage occurs it can often go.
Hire a mold remediation specialist.
This summer i cleaned the portion of the black stain with a dry mop as much as i could reach from the hatch opening.
But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.
One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.
Deteriorating duct liners produce black particles which blow from the vents and collect on walls or the ground.
Black flakes on sheathing might be clear shellac or silver paint post smoke remediation flaking off not surprising after years of drought and hot summers even from off site generated smoke drawn into the attic from past events.
Mold spores look black and dark like this.
When the attic has been damp or wet there might be a more serious problem with aspergillus sp.
If the duct liner is the source of the black dust it should be replaced right away as the particles could be dangerous if inhaled.