Gerald Rogers

Left Overs: an Auto Auction Memoir Gerald Rogers

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (SIDS),and premature birth have been linked to carbon monoxide exposure by pregnant women. Other symptoms of low-level CO exposure are headache, nausea, dizziness, flu-like illnesses, upset stomach, vomiting, drowsiness, disorientation, and shortness of breath. Dealer auto auctions process 3 to 20 vehicles or more at a time in large, partially enclosed buildings while 15 to 75 others stand idling in line. It is virtually impossible to avoid buildup of carbon monoxide in such an environment. The result is exposure of workers, staff, customers and visitors to undefined levels of CO. Left Overs asks this question: Federal agencies CDC, EPS, OSHA and NIOSH all warn against operating internal combustion engines (cars, trucks, forklifts, gas-powered tools) inside buildings or enclosures. Why then are auto auctions not similarly monitored or even discussed in OSHA or NIOSH literature?CO detectors, designed to warn of over-exposure, are the logical defense against CO poisoning, but they are not generally used at auto auctions. Rogers asks, "Why not? Why hasn't OSHA or NIOSH moved to regulate CO at auto auctions on behalf of those who patronize or work at auto auctions?"