Is smelling salt dangerous to your health? ?

Question

I've read that boxers often use smelling salt to "wake them up" and become more alert during a fight.

Does this work as well for any situation? For example, if I am really tired and I need to become alert I can just use smelling salt? I imagine the effects are very short term.

Nevertheless, my question is whether this is dangerous. I know the components in smelling salt a quite toxic; however, I am unsure whether the inhalation of these in such small doses can have adverse effects on health in the long run.

Answer 1

According to Wikipedia, it's also used by weightlifters before a heavy lift.  The salts release a very small amount of ammonia gas which triggers the inhalation reflex.  I think if you don't overuse them, it should be fine.

Answer 2

the way i see it, it all depends on how it breaks down (if it breaks down) when you inhale it and to what degree does it break down (does it dissapeart totally or does a very minute amount stays). If it takes a while, it would wreak havoc since as you say, it's toxic. Also if a minute amount remains in your system and you use it often, you'll get the adverse effects since the amount would accumalate and cause problems. the effects will start to take place from your nose and flow down into your system from there. Yes they use smelling salts to wake boxers up but they just have them wiff it, not inhale or anything like that. Inhalation signifies and deep pull while whiffing signifies short pulls. since i believe smelling salts do smell a bit like ammonia (detergent component) i would not recommend inhaling it. an overdose smelling on it can cause dizziness and if slowly seeped in over a period of time can make you fell you are going into a stupor.

u could probably try some herbal vitamins and/or get some sleep.