In which setting should radon tests be avoided when severe weather is anticipated?

Radon tests should be avoided if severe storms with high winds are predicted because these conditions can significantly impact indoor air pressure and ventilation, leading to unreliable radon readings. High winds can create pressure differences that allow outside air, potentially containing lower levels of radon, to enter the home. This influx of outdoor air can dilute the concentration of radon in the indoor environment, resulting in lower test results that do not accurately reflect the true radon levels when conditions are stable. Additionally, severe storms might lead to changes in the building’s air pressure and integrity, making it challenging to gauge radon levels accurately.

While other situations, such as extreme heat or holidays, might also affect testing or be less favorable for other practical reasons, they do not pose the same immediate risk to the accuracy of radon measurements as severe weather does. Air conditioning use can also create microclimates within a home, but it doesn’t inherently create the same instability in radon levels as storm conditions do. Therefore, focusing on the potential impact of severe storms on indoor air dynamics makes it clear why this situation warrants avoiding radon testing.