It's probably safe...even if it's iron, most of us can use a little extra in our diets. But, what IS it?

I sometimes get black flakes if my pan isn't clean before I grease it and heat it before I put it away. I'm just careless, but I've noticed some people think they will ruin the seasoning of their pans if they wash them. If you happen to be one of those, wash it! With soap! And a nylon scouring pad if you have to! (I had to say it, just in case. No offense!)

Now, assuming it's clean, how is it seasoned? Could the seasoning be flaking off? Any chance there's rust under it? (This is a plain cast iron pan, right?)

I have cast iron pans and wouldn't think of putting them away without washing them11....I scour them with SOS pads when they need it also. Doesn't hurt them at all if they have been seasoned right. But I would not use cleansing powder on them such as Comet, etc. I too get black flecks sometimes when I fry eggs and I think it's iron which I'm sure doesn't hurt at all. If you think about it, there are probably flecks on meat when you fry that too but it's not noticeable. BT