How is the correlation factor calculated?

The correct calculation of the correlation factor involves the relationship between the outside dose and the inside dose. The aim is to determine how much the outside dose contributes to or affects the inside dose. By dividing the outside dose by the inside dose, the correlation factor provides a ratio that indicates how exterior exposure translates to interior levels.

This ratio is crucial in CBRN reconnaissance as it helps assess the effectiveness of protective measures and the degree of contamination. A higher correlation factor would suggest that outdoor conditions significantly influence indoor levels of contamination, which is important for decision-making regarding health and safety measures.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the relationship needed for calculating the correlation factor. Option one, for instance, merely subtracts the inside dose from the outside dose without establishing a meaningful comparison. The second option implies that the inside dose serves as a basis for scaling the outside dose, which doesn't align with the intention of understanding the influence from the exterior environment. Lastly, the fourth option adds the two doses together, resulting in a value that doesn't reflect their interaction in terms of contamination levels. Each of these approaches fails to provide the necessary analytical comparison that the correct ratio does.