Radon in Winnipeg Homes: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Safe
Radon isn’t something most homeowners think about every day — but it’s an important part of understanding your home’s overall health and safety.
In Winnipeg and across the Prairie provinces, radon awareness has grown significantly over the past decade as more homeowners test their properties and learn about the potential risks.
The good news?
Testing is simple, mitigation is effective, and once you understand the basics, it’s easy to take steps that protect your household.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that occurs naturally in the ground. Because you can’t see or smell it, the only way to know the radon level in your home is by testing. Outdoors, radon is diluted and not a concern. Indoors however, it can become trapped and build up to unsafe levels over time.
Radon moves up from the soil and can enter homes through even the smallest openings, including:
Cracks in foundation walls or floors
Gaps around pipes and sump pits
Floor drains
Construction joints
Even newer homes aren’t immune. Radon can be present in any type of home, regardless of age, size, or neighbourhood.
Why Is Radon a Big Deal?
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Your risk depends on both the level of radon in your home and how long you’re exposed to it. Long-term exposure to elevated levels can increase health risks, which is why awareness and testing are so important.
Radon levels can vary significantly from one home to the next - even between neighbours. Just because a nearby house tested low doesn’t mean yours will too. Since radon is invisible, odourless, and undetectable by human senses, the only way to know your home’s radon level is to test.
Some key stats to put it into perspective:
About 24% of Manitobans may be living in homes above the national guideline for radon levels
The number of homes with elevated radon levels has more than doubled since 2012
Radon-related lung cancer causes more deaths in Canada each year than car accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning, and house fires combined
Roughly 1 in 5 homes in the Prairie provinces has concerning radon levels
Prairie provinces tend to have higher radon levels than other regions in Canada
How Do You Test for Radon?
Purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit online or through local suppliers
Hire a professional radon testing company
Radon Testing Guidelines Include:
Tests are typically placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home
Long-term tests (3+ months) provide the most accurate results and are what is recommended by Health Canada
Health Canada recommends taking action if radon levels are above 200 Bq/m³
As a homeowner testing is one of the easiest ways to get peace of mind.
What If Radon Levels Are High?
If elevated levels are found, don’t panic. Professional radon mitigation systems are very effective and can significantly reduce radon levels in a home. Most systems cost a couple thousand dollars and while that is an added expense, it should be viewed as an investment in your long-term health and your home.
Other small steps can also help reduce radon entry, such as sealing around pipes, drains, sump pits, and visible cracks in floors or foundation walls. However, if levels are high, a proper mitigation system is the best solution.
The Bottom Line
Radon isn’t something to panic about - but it is something to be informed about. Testing is easy, mitigation is effective, and awareness is key. Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or just moved in, it’s worth knowing where your home stands.
Testing, mitigation systems & additional Information:
https://takeactiononradon.ca/provinces/manitoba/
https://www.canadianshieldradon.com
Programs & Grants:
At this time there are very few programs & grants for Manitobans to assist with financing mitigation systems. Manitoba Hydro offers a loan program & The Lung Association offers $1500 to individuals who have either been diagnosed with lung cancer or meet moderate & low income eligibility.
Manitoba Hydro: Energy Efficiency Loan Program for Radon Mitigation Systems
https://www.hydro.mb.ca/account/loans/home-energy-efficiency-loan/
Lungs Matter
https://www.mb.lung.ca/lungs_matter
Stats sourced from Health Canada, CancerCare Manitoba, and the Province of Manitoba.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon in Winnipeg Homes
Is radon common in Winnipeg homes?
Yes. Homes throughout Manitoba and the Prairie provinces can experience elevated radon levels due to natural soil conditions. Testing is the only reliable way to determine the radon level in an individual home.
Should I test my home for radon?
Yes. Organizations such as Health Canada recommend that all homeowners test their homes at least once, particularly during the winter months when windows remain closed.
Does radon affect new homes?
Yes. Radon can be present in both older homes and new construction. Building age, neighbourhood, and home value do not determine radon risk.
How long does a radon test take?
Short-term tests may take a few days, but long-term tests lasting three months or longer provide the most accurate results.
Can radon be fixed?
Yes. Radon mitigation systems are very effective and can significantly reduce radon levels when installed by certified professionals.
Key Takeaways About Radon in Winnipeg Homes
• Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that can accumulate inside homes
• The only way to know your home's radon level is through testing
• Prairie provinces, including Manitoba, tend to have higher radon levels
• Health Canada recommends action if radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³
• Long-term testing (3 months or more) provides the most accurate results
• Professional mitigation systems can effectively reduce radon levels
If Radon is a concern for you when buying your next home, please reach Out. I’m Just A Call, Email or Text away!
Your Friend in Real Estate,
Sheyla Duncan
Phone: (204) 871-3228
Email: Sheyla@QueenTeam.ca
Written by Sheyla Duncan, REALTOR® with The Queen Team at Ethos Realty, serving Winnipeg and surrounding communities.
Sheyla works with buyers and sellers throughout Winnipeg and believes that understanding how a home functions, from air quality to maintenance and inspections, is an important part of responsible homeownership.
Helping clients make informed decisions about their homes is at the core of her approach to real estate.