# Ammonia Salts Long Term Health Effects? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 14, 2010, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ammonia-salts-long-term-health-effects/532407 "2010-03-14T00:11:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Shawn\_K\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Shawn\_K\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shawn_K_1)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2010, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ammonia-salts-long-term-health-effects/532407/1 "2010-03-14T00:11:42Z")
I read about professional athletes using Ammonia Smelling Salts for a wake up during breaks in the games. Apparently it shocks the mucous membrane in your nasal cavity I’m told so you can take in more oxygen and I’m curious if there’s a possibility of long term health damage from the small amount of Ammonia one would be taking into your system? ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2010, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ammonia-salts-long-term-health-effects/532407/2 "2010-03-14T02:49:08Z")
> **[Smelling salts | Risks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smelling_salts#Risks)** > > Ammonia gas is toxic in large concentrations for prolonged periods and can be fatal. If a high concentration of ammonia is inhaled too close to the nostril, it might burn the nasal or oral mucosa. The suggested distance is 10–15 centimetres (4–6 in). > The use of ammonia smelling salts to revive people injured during sport is not recommended because it may inhibit or delay a proper and thorough neurological assessment by a healthcare professional, such as after concussions when hospitalization ma... A few sports references, too. Not a good idea, AFAICT.