What is the commonly accepted equilibrium ratio of radon decay products?

The commonly accepted equilibrium ratio of radon decay products is around 0.4. This ratio represents the fraction of radon decay products that exist in a state of equilibrium with radon gas in indoor environments. This means that at a steady state, about 40% of the radon decay products are present as they decay from radon, which is crucial for understanding health risks associated with radon exposure.

Knowledge of the equilibrium ratio is important for risk assessment and radon remediation strategies, as it helps in estimating the potential radiation dose individuals may receive from inhaling radon and its decay products. A lower or higher equilibrium ratio might indicate varying ventilation conditions or different sources of radon decay product accumulation. Therefore, understanding the equilibrium ratio is vital for effective radon measurement and management.