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WASHINGTON, May 03, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Fewer than 30 percent of the nation's 20 million asthmatics limit their exposure to substances that trigger their condition, a U.S. government study found.
The study by the Environmental Protection Agency said most asthmatics don't take such simple steps as avoiding second-hand smoke, mold and ozone and controlling dust mites and cockroaches. Those exposures can cause asthma in children or set off asthma attacks.
"The more we know about controlling and avoiding asthma triggers, the more we can prevent asthma and asthma attacks," EPA Administrator Steve Johnson said in a statement. "That's why EPA is raising awareness and encouraging those with asthma to work with their physicians to identify their asthma triggers and to follow EPA's recommendations to reduce their exposure."
Six million U.S. children have asthma. The EPA is starting an awareness campaign to help parents limit their children's exposure to asthma triggers. Tuesday was World Asthma Day.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
