Smelling Salts - Risks

Risks

Ammonia gas is toxic in large concentrations for prolonged periods, and can be fatal. Smelling salts produce only a small amount of ammonia gas.

There is a limited possibility of direct burning of the nasal or oral mucosa from high concentration of inhaled ammonia.

The use of ammonia smelling salts to revive people injured during sport is not recommended as it may inhibit or delay a proper and thorough neurological assessment by a healthcare professional, and some governing bodies recommend specifically against it. There is also a risk that as an irritant, use of smelling salts could cause reflex withdrawal from the source, thereby exacerbating any pre-existing cervical spine injury.