A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..
A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Updated: April 20, 2026 @ 8:26 pm
Editor,
I was horrified to hear that NOx pollution from my gas water heater and furnace were contributing to the deaths of 30-85 people every year, according to the Air Quality Management District. We were so outraged at eight deaths in the San Bruno gas explosion; however, we don’t even notice a far bigger death toll, every year, caused by every one of us
By contrast, I was thrilled to find out I can now replace my gas heaters with electric heat pumps, and even save money. My two kids have asthma, and I suspect that my poorly ventilated heaters contribute to their symptoms, as well as to those dozens of deaths. I just got two quotes for a heat pump water heater. After rebates and tax credit, they come to $2,650 and $3,550, including electrical work and permits, about the cost ($3,000) of a new gas tank. I’ll also save about $150 a year by moving to electric, and I don’t have to be killing anyone. Count me a convert.
I think it’s fantastic that the Bay Area Air Quality District has voted for a gradual phase-out of polluting gas heaters, starting in 2027. Sadly, we’ll still be suffering those excess deaths until old heaters are replaced. I encourage everyone to consider replacing your old water heater with a heat pump — you’ll help save lives, you’ll help save the planet, and you’ll probably save yourself some money too.
Peadar O’Rahilly
Burlingame
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(6) comments
Thank your for the letter Peadar!
Peadar - excessive deaths due to NOx? In San Mateo county alone we have over 600 people die each year, 318 due to natural causes, 54 suicides, 233 accidents and 19 murders, just in 2021. The figure for your estimated number was provided by the BAAQMD for their entire Bay Area. Your argument for changing to an all electric home to save lives is pretty thin. NOx is certainly not the most likely killer in our county. Regulatory excess is the real killer.
Peadar, so 30-85 deaths per year, out of millions of households with gas appliances and you only suspect, but are not sure, your heaters contributed to your family’s symptoms? Makes me wonder whether the 30-85 deaths statistic are deaths only suspected to be caused by gas appliances, but are not proven... I only hope either the contractor, or the folks who sold you the new water heater collected the old one to sell, or use, as spare parts. BTW, for those interested, Claire Hao of the SF Chronicle recently penned an article about costs for swapping out gas heat for electric (https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/bay-area-gas-appliance-ban-full-cost-17843287.php).
probably more deaths by car.
World wide .0005% people die of NOx poisoning.
This writer is the definition of hyperbole - nothing she says can be taken seriously.
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