Seven models of gas water heaters manufactured between 1980 and 1989 are targets of the order. A total of 260,000 heaters were sold, and Paloma and gas companies confirmed that about 18,000 of the heaters are still in use.

Four models of Paloma's gas water heaters caused 21 deaths from 1985 to 2005. Paloma is voluntarily recalling the seven models that could cause poisoning.

The maker had collected 7,734 heaters as of Aug. 27, and it will try to replace the dangerous models with new Paloma heaters or other companies' heaters by the end of November.

The Japan Times Weekly: Sept. 2, 2006
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