Heard About Radon on CBC’s The Current? What Winnipeg Homeowners Should Do Next
Radon gas was discussed nationally this week on The Current, raising questions for homeowners across Canada. If you live in Winnipeg and found yourself wondering “Is this something I need to worry about?”, you’re not alone.
Below is a quick explainer on what that national conversation means specifically for Winnipeg homes, what was not fully explained on air, and how to decide your next step without panic or pressure.
First, a Short Refresher: What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through foundation cracks, floor drains, sump pits, and other openings, particularly in basements.
You can’t see it.
You can’t smell it.
And the only way to know if it’s present at elevated levels is through a radon test.
Health Canada recommends action if radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, as prolonged exposure increases the risk of lung cancer. One in four homes in Manitoba have radon levels higher than the national guideline. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall.
What CBC’s The Current Covered and What it Didn’t
The CBC discussion rightly focused on awareness. What it couldn’t do in a short segment was answer the questions homeowners actually ask afterward.
Here are the most important clarifications.
1. Radon risk is home-specific, not neighbourhood-specific
Two houses on the same street can have very different radon levels. Construction type, foundation integrity, soil conditions, and air pressure inside the home all matter more than postal code alone.
2. Newer homes are not immune
In fact, newer, more airtight homes can sometimes trap radon more effectively. Many new builds include a capped radon pipe installed “for future use,” but that pipe does nothing unless it’s activated as part of a mitigation system.
3. Ventilation alone does not reliably solve the problem
Opening windows or running fans may temporarily lower readings, but it is not a long-term or dependable solution if levels are high.
We’ve answered the most common follow-up questions home owners ask here
Should Winnipeg Homeowners Be Concerned?
Manitoba has some of the highest average radon levels in Canada due to uranium-rich soil. That doesn’t mean every home is unsafe, but it does mean testing is very important here.
You should strongly consider testing if:
You use your basement regularly (living space, bedroom, office, playroom)
You’ve recently completed a renovation affecting the foundation or ventilation
You’ve recently moved into a new home
Your home is a new build with a capped radon pipe
You’ve never tested before, or tested many years ago
When is it More Urgent?
If you spend long periods of time in the basement
If someone in the home has existing respiratory risk factors
If you, or someone living in the home, is a smoker
If a short-term test shows levels well above guidelines
What Testing Actually Tells You
A radon test doesn’t commit you to anything. It simply answers one question:
Are radon levels in your home within recommended limits or not?
If levels are low, you have peace of mind.
If levels are high, you can make an informed decision.
Testing is the starting point.
What Happens if Radon Levels are High?
If testing shows elevated levels, radon mitigation systems are designed to redirect radon gas from beneath the home and vent it safely outside, reducing indoor levels significantly and consistently.
Effective mitigation:
Is tailored to the layout and construction of your home
Works continuously without homeowner intervention
Is confirmed with post-installation testing
This is not about removing gas from the soil, it’s about controlling airflow inside your home.
What Should You Do Next?
If the CBC segment raised questions for you, here’s the simplest way to think about it:
If you’ve never tested → testing is the safest next step
If you tested years ago → retesting may be worthwhile
If levels are high → mitigation is proven and effective
There’s no benefit in guessing, and no need to rush into decisions without information.
Testing is the Only Way to Know Your Radon Levels
If you’ve never tested your home or don’t know your current levels, a radon test is the safest next step. We’ll help you understand the results and what to do if levels are high.
Still have questions? Call us at 204-807-1340