The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that we spend 90% of our time indoors. As such, it’s important to monitor indoor air quality especially for those who suffer from asthma or allergies, as many allergens and asthma triggers lurk in homes. Here are eight ways to improve the air quality in your home:

1. Cockroaches – Cockroaches contain a protein that is a common allergen in many people and their droppings can trigger asthma attacks. Remove moisture in dark areas and limit open food sources. Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight, keep the kitchen clean, and cover trash cans. Use roach traps or call an exterminator if you have a serious cockroach problem.

2. Dust &...

Smoking is not only bad for our health, but it also causes thousands of home fires every year. Smoking-related home fires can be prevented by exercising proper caution, so follow these tips to prevent them:

1. Use fire-safe cigarettes. Fire-safe cigarettes (FSCs) are designed to extinguish more quickly than standard cigarettes if ignored. Cigarettes that are fire standards-compliant have the "FSC" letters above the barcode.
2. Only smoke outside. As most smoking-related fires occur in living rooms and bedrooms, it is best to smoke outside. Cigarette butts or ashes can ignite many things in a home, such as curtains, beds, books, etc.
3. Never smoke in bed. If you smoke in bed, you might fall asl...