Environmental quality

Environmental quality is a general term that refers to the overall condition of an environment and its impacts on the physical and mental well-being of living organisms. Properties and characteristics of the environment can be assessed at either a general or local level and can include both natural features and built surroundings. Environmental quality assessments of indoor and outdoor environments can examine factors such as air pollution, water pollution, human activities, climate change, and availability of health care.

Environmental quality can be described in terms of both measurable quantitative components and standards, and more subjective qualitative assessments of perceptions and values. The term may be used in different ways depending on location, context, and time. "Overall environmental quality" often refers to broadly measured environmental quality on a national level, while "living environment quality" refers to environmental quality as experienced by the individuals living in it. In the United States, environmental quality is measured in terms of the Environmental Quality Index (EQI). Other countries may measure environmental quality in different ways.