Fuel Soot Problem

My sister has an 04 Grand Am with the 3.4L V6 in it and when I replaced the fuel filter i noticed an extremely fine black soot coming out of the filter at both ends. I have never seen this before, it seems like something is dissolving in the fuel. Any thoughts or is this a common problem. Thanks

Try changing the fuel filter more often.
You could also drain and clean the tank with fresh gas, but that is a job and a half.

Pretty typical though in most cars today.