The Winnipeg Winter Problem No One is Talking About: Radon Gas
When winter hits Winnipeg, we seal our homes tight against the cold. It’s the only way to survive temperatures that drop below –30°C. But what most homeowners don’t realize is that sealing our homes traps more than heat.
It also traps radon gas, a radioactive, cancer-causing gas that comes from the soil under our homes.
To understand why this matters, consider a story that made international headlines.
Former Olympic-level hockey player Rachael Malmberg, a healthy non-smoker, was diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer at age 33. After the diagnosis, she tested her home and discovered dangerously high radon levels, far beyond what health experts consider safe. She now speaks publicly about the threat radon poses, even to healthy families.
Her story shocked people across North America. If radon could impact someone young, healthy, and active, what about the rest of us?
Now consider this:
Manitoba’s radon levels are consistently higher than those reported in Malmberg’s region.
Manitoba Radon Gas Stats
Stat 1: 43% of homes tested in Manitoba exceeded the Health Canada radon guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³).
(Source: Take Action on Radon)
Stat 2: Manitoba soil contains higher uranium levels than national averages, a natural source of radon.
(Source: Manitoba Health)
Stat 3: Radon levels spike sharply between November and March when homes are sealed.
(Source: CancerCare Manitoba)
Stat 4: In November, Winnipeg offered public radon meters through its public libraries, as the issue is widespread.
(Source: CityNews Winnipeg)
Why Radon is Worse in Winter
Winter creates the perfect conditions for radon to accumulate:
Home are sealed tightly
Windows are shut. Doors are sealed. Airflow is restricted. Heat stays in, and radon stays in.
The “stack effect” pulls more soil gas inside
Warm air rises and escapes > basement air is replaced > suction increases > more radon enters
We spend more time indoors
Offices, rec rooms, bedrooms, playrooms, and exposure increases.
Ventilation is at its lowest
Radon has nowhere to go, so levels peak.
This is why winter is the most accurate and most urgent time to test
What Every Winnipeg Home Owner Should Know
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the soil. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, and accumulates in enclosed spaces like basements and main floors.
How does radon cause harm?
Radon releases radioactive particles that damage lung tissue when inhaled. Over time, this increases lung cancer risk.
Who is at risk?
Everyone.
Non-smokers. Smokers. Children. Adults. Seniors.
Radon does not discriminate.
How common is radon in Winnipeg?
Manitoba has some of the highest indoor radon levels in Canada, with thousands of homes above the guideline. 43% of homes tested in Manitoba exceeded the Health Canada radon guideline.
How Radon Testing Works
Local data shows high radon levels across:
1. Book a Test
Radon86 can do a quick 15-minute test to give you a general idea of your levels quickly. No drilling, no disruption. You can also purchase a radon detector online or at a local hardware store e.g. Home Depot.
2. Place the Device
Usually in the basement or the lowest lived-in level. It quietly collects data over time.
3. Get Clear Results
If your levels are high, mitigation reduces radon to near-zero, often within 24 hours of installation.
What Happens if Your Radon Levels Come Back High?
If your results show levels above Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m³, mitigation is strongly recommended.
A professional radon mitigation system:
Lowers your radon levels by 50–90%
Vents radon safely outside your home
Runs quietly and efficiently
Protects your family’s long-term health
Increases the value and safety of your home
In Winnipeg, families spend thousands of hours inside their homes every winter. Make sure the air your family breathes is safe.