Abstract: Air dispersion model is an effective method for odor pollution management because we can use it to access the environmental impact scope and degree. However, the simulation results of air dispersion model are usually expressed as an hourly mean concentration, which was not applicable for the odor pollution management, because only the instantaneous maximum concentration is meaningful in the field of odor pollution. Combining the characteristics of odor pollution, the peak-to-mean factor needs to be introduced into odor pollution assessment to convert the simulation results from the mean concentration such as one-hour mean into the one-second peak concentration. By studying the literatures and criteria in the world, the research theory, influencing factors and calculation methods on peak-to-mean factor were systematically analyzed and reviewed. The results indicated that the peak-to-mean factor was affected by atmospheric stability, distance, terrain, type of the sources and so on. Because of the complexity of the influenced factors, most of countries and regions just set the as a constant value in odor environmental impact assessment guidelines. However, it should be limited to use in practice. We introduced the peak-to-mean theory into domestic odor management and established the peak-to-mean factor database that was applicable for different regions and types of sources in China. The research of peak-to-mean factor could provide a basic theory and technical support for accurate simulation, separation distance and dose-response association in odor pollution.