LOS ANGELES, March 23 (Xinhua) -- California health groups kicked off a campaign on Friday with the aim of teaching families to avoid the triggers in the home that can aggravate asthma attacks.

    "Helping families understand how to reduce asthma triggers in the home can improve a child's breathing and, therefore, his or her quality of life," said organizer Maria Matza, a registered nurse and asthma expert.

    "The steps to maintaining a healthy home are simple and can make a tremendous impact on the health of a child," she said.

    The "Healthy Children, Healthy Homes" campaign includes recommendations to reduce indoor triggers of asthma:

    -- Use bait and insecticides to eliminate cockroaches;

    -- storing leftover food in bags and containers to keep cockroaches and other insects out of the home;

    -- washing away dust and mold;

    -- keeping away from germs and allergens; and

    -- not smoking indoors and near children.

    Other common triggers of asthma are pollution, pollen, hot and humid weather, pet hair, cockroach droppings, tobacco smoke, dust, mold and mildew. Colds, flu, and allergies, or engaging in certain kinds of exercise or strong emotions may also trigger an asthmatic episode.

    The program is sponsored by SC Johnson, which makes a variety of household products.