What does a physical environment assessment typically include?

A physical environment assessment primarily includes information about homes, which encompasses various aspects such as housing quality, accessibility, safety, and environmental hazards present in residential areas. This type of assessment addresses how the physical attributes of homes and surrounding environments can impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

In this context, aspects like the presence of lead paint, adequate plumbing, heating, and insulation, as well as outdoor conditions such as proximity to parks or exposure to pollution, are critical elements that contribute to an understanding of how physical surroundings affect quality of life.

While health policies and regulations, community health demographics, and local economic factors are important in public health and community assessments, they do not directly pertain to the physical environment's immediate characteristics that influence health risks and living conditions. Thus, the focus of a physical environment assessment is more aligned with the specific conditions of homes and their direct impacts on residents.