than cockroaches.

Recent research in America suggested roaches were a leading cause of asthma amongst the young and suggested spraying the bugs to control them.

However, Mrs. Boden, a qualified asthma educator, said yesterday the problem with roaches was well-known and that sprays could prove a bigger killer to asthmatics.

"The main theme of the research was roaches. My biggest theme is please do not spray them. It could kill people,'' said Mrs. Boden.

The US research, published in The Royal Gazette last week, pinpointed the elimination of roaches as the single most important step towards reducing asthma.

Asthma is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a substance called an antigen which makes sufferers wheeze.

The research showed that of all the antigens encountered in the home by children -- the most powerful were from roaches.

Researchers suggested several ways of reducing the roach problems -- including spraying, washing down surfaces, keeping food out of roaches' reach and putting out roach traps.

Yesterday Mrs. Boden added that the findings were nothing new -- and there were many other factors causing asthma.

The biggest, she said, was house mites and another major cause was house sprays such as the anti-roach sprays.

Instead of using sprays to control roaches, Mrs. Boden urged people to take simple steps such as ensuring food was not left lying around.