In three field studies odour annoyance is predicted with the use of two dispersion models of malodour: one model with average meteorological data as input, calculates average exposure to odour concentrations, and the second model with momentary actual meteorological data as input, calculates momentary exposure. The results indicate that average concentrations are superior to momentary concentrations in predicting annoyance. Of the demographic variables age is negatively related to annoyance. General nonspecific coping strategies appear to function as a moderator between exposure and annoyance: people with a problem oriented coping style are more annoyed, whereas an emotion oriented coping style decreases annoyance. In order to cope with environmental stress caused by malodour, people use specific strategies with varying frequencies. The subjective general health status is not affected by odour concentrations and coping styles do not function as a moderator in this relation. © 1991 Academic Press Limited.
