Zoox grounds Atlanta test fleet after workers report toxic gas exposure symptoms

Zoox grounded its autonomous vehicle test fleet in Atlanta after safety drivers reported potential exposure to toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide. The incidents led to one worker filing a complaint with OSHA, which investigated the exposures. At least 40 workers were possibly exposed, though the company claims the number is lower. One group of workers was put back on the road in a different car after another worker vomited, and the second car may have also contained toxic gases. Workers reported exposure symptoms and strange smells, and the facility in northwest Atlanta has operated at limited capacity since August 22. The company said it examined its test vehicles for signs of CO2 and replaced their 12-volt batteries, but it did not detect any damage to the batteries. The company added CO2 monitors to the vehicles to detect other gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The illnesses come as Zoox expands into new cities and grows its operations, increasing the risk for safety monitors. The company said it consulted an outside medical expert and will investigate the reports thoroughly. The safety and well-being of the workers is the company's primary concern. The facility uses an exhaust-capture system to mitigate toxic gas buildup, but changes to vehicles can increase gas leakage risks. Davis and other workers said individual safety monitors started reporting exposure symptoms in August, and the incidents were more acute when four workers were in the same vehicle. The company said it has detected no damage to the batteries and no signs of hydrogen sulfide gas. The company is investigating the reports and has ceased operations of its test vehicles in this market.

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