1. Homes that are tightly sealed to be energy efficient don't get ventilated enough. As a result, pollutants and allergens get trapped indoors.

2. The major life-threatening air hazards in a home include carbon monoxide and radon poisoning. Test your home for radon, and be sure you install carbon-monoxide detectors near bedrooms.

3. To reduce allergens and irritants in the air, take some preventive steps. Cut down on rugs and carpeting, leave shoes at the door, and vacuum floors and furniture frequently.

4. Keep your home well ventilated. Leave inside doors open, install vents in kitchens and bathrooms, open windows whenever possible to get stale air out, and place fans in the house to create an air flow.

5. Secondhand smoke is really bad. Feel free to restrict smokers to the outdoors.