When should radon testing be avoided?

Radon testing should be avoided during extreme weather conditions because such conditions can significantly affect the indoor air pressure and ventilation, potentially leading to inaccurate results. For instance, during severe storms or high winds, the atmospheric pressure can fluctuate, causing radon levels to vary based on how well air is sealed within a home. This can result in misleading measurements since radon entry is influenced by the building's pressure dynamics.

In contrast, moving into a new home is actually a prime time to conduct radon testing, as it allows for awareness of any potential radon issues before settling in. Continuous operation of heating systems can also be a normal condition during testing, as they can help mitigate radon accumulation through proper ventilation. High outdoor humidity is not a direct reason to avoid testing, although it might influence the comfort level of conducting the test rather than its accuracy. Therefore, the consideration of extreme weather events is crucial in ensuring that radon measurement is reliable and valid.