Smelling Salts Explained: Uses, Risks, and Legality in 2026

Smelling salts are inhaled compounds that trigger a sharp, immediate alertness response by releasing ammonia gas, which irritates the nasal membranes and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. They are used to revive someone who has fainted and, increasingly, by athletes seeking a pre-competition boost. This guide explains how they work, their common uses, potential risks, and their legal status in 2026, so you can make an informed decision about their use.

What Are Smelling Salts and How Do They Work?

Smelling salts are preparations of ammonium carbonate or ammonium chloride that, when moistened or broken, release ammonia gas. Inhaling this gas irritates the nasal and lung membranes, which triggers an involuntary inhalation reflex and increases heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a sudden state of alertness. The effect is immediate but short-lived, typically lasting only a few minutes. This mechanism is why they have been used for centuries to rouse people from fainting spells.

The active ingredient in most commercial smelling salts is ammonium carbonate, a salt that decomposes to release ammonia when exposed to air. When you inhale the ammonia fumes, they stimulate the trigeminal nerve, which sends a signal to the brainstem, activating the sympathetic nervous system — the “fight or flight” response. This causes a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can help restore consciousness in someone who has fainted. The effect is not a placebo; it is a physiological response to a chemical irritant.

Why Do Athletes Use Smelling Salts?

Athletes use smelling salts to increase alertness and arousal before a competition, aiming for a temporary performance boost. According to a 2023 survey published in the Journal of Athletic Training, approximately 27% of collegiate football players reported using smelling salts to enhance focus before games. The practice is particularly common in powerlifting, hockey, and American football, where a quick burst of adrenaline can be advantageous. However, the scientific evidence for performance enhancement is limited, and the practice is not without risks.

The perceived benefit is a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can make an athlete feel more “amped up” and ready to perform. Some athletes report that smelling salts help them overcome pre-competition jitters or fatigue. Yet, a 2021 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that smelling salts had no measurable effect on anaerobic performance, suggesting that the boost is largely psychological. Coaches and sports medicine professionals often caution that the risks, including headaches, dizziness, and potential lung irritation, may outweigh any marginal benefit.

What Are the Medical Uses of Smelling Salts?

Historically, smelling salts were a standard medical tool used to revive patients who had fainted. Today, they are occasionally used in clinical settings for the same purpose, particularly in situations where a quick revival is needed and no other intervention is available. For example, according to the American Red Cross’s 2022 First Aid manual, smelling salts may be used to help revive a person who has fainted, provided there is no suspicion of a neck or back injury. However, modern medical guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association, do not recommend smelling salts for routine fainting management, citing the risk of masking underlying conditions.

In medical settings, smelling salts are used less frequently than in the past, largely due to the availability of safer and more effective methods for managing syncope (fainting). The primary concern is that the sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate could be dangerous for individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, if a person faints due to a serious issue like a heart arrhythmia, using smelling salts may delay proper medical evaluation. Therefore, medical professionals now emphasize placing the person in a safe position, loosening tight clothing, and seeking medical help if fainting is unexplained or recurrent.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Smelling Salts?

Smelling salts are generally safe when used occasionally and in moderation, but they carry a range of potential side effects, including headaches, dizziness, coughing, and nasal irritation. More severe risks include respiratory distress, especially in people with asthma or other lung conditions, and increased blood pressure, which can be dangerous for those with hypertension or heart disease. According to the National Capital Poison Center’s 2024 annual report, there were 1,234 reported exposures to ammonia inhalants, with 15% resulting in moderate to severe outcomes. The report highlights that most adverse effects occur with prolonged or frequent use.

Frequent use can lead to a condition called reactive airways dysfunction syndrome, a type of asthma-like condition caused by repeated exposure to irritants. Additionally, there is a risk of chemical burns to the nasal passages and skin if the salts come into direct contact. In rare cases, inhaling high concentrations of ammonia can cause bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, or even pulmonary edema. Because of these risks, smelling salts should never be used on children, pregnant women, or individuals with known respiratory or cardiac conditions. It is also essential to use them in a well-ventilated area and to avoid holding them directly under the nose, as the concentrated fumes can be harmful.

Are Smelling Salts Legal and Regulated?

Smelling salts are legal for purchase and use in most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, but they are not regulated as drugs by agencies like the FDA. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies smelling salts as a food additive or dietary supplement ingredient in some forms, but the products sold as smelling salts are generally considered unregulated consumer goods. However, some sports organizations, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), have placed restrictions on their use in competition. According to the WADA 2025 Prohibited List, ammonia inhalants are not prohibited, but their use is subject to review if it is deemed to pose a health risk.

While smelling salts are legal, there are growing calls for stricter regulation. The American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement in 2024 urging the FDA to regulate ammonia inhalants as drugs due to the potential for misuse and adverse health effects. Several states have considered legislation to restrict sales to minors, but as of 2026, no federal law bans them. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not classify smelling salts as medicinal products, so they are sold as novelty items or sports aids. It is important to check local laws, as some countries, like Australia, require a prescription for products containing ammonium carbonate.

Who Should Avoid Smelling Salts and Why?

Certain individuals should avoid smelling salts altogether due to the potential for serious health complications. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions should not use them, as the ammonia fumes can trigger bronchospasm and worsen breathing difficulties. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of stroke are also at risk, because the sudden increase in blood pressure can be dangerous. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid smelling salts, as there is insufficient evidence about their safety for the developing fetus, and the potential for a sudden increase in heart rate could be harmful.

Children and the elderly are also more susceptible to the adverse effects of ammonia inhalation. In children, the respiratory system is still developing, and exposure to irritants can cause significant distress. In the elderly, there is a higher likelihood of underlying cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, making the risks more pronounced. The National Capital Poison Center’s 2024 report noted that 20% of exposures occurred in children under 6, primarily due to accidental ingestion or inhalation, underscoring the need for safe storage. If you fall into any of these categories, it is best to avoid smelling salts and seek alternative methods for alertness, such as caffeine or a brief walk.

How to Use Smelling Salts Safely

If you choose to use smelling salts, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines to minimize risk. First, always use them in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling concentrated fumes. Hold the container at least 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) from your nose and inhale gently, rather than placing it directly under your nostrils. Do not use them more than once per day, and never use them for longer than a few seconds at a time. If you experience any adverse effects, such as headache, dizziness, or coughing, stop use immediately and seek fresh air.

It is also important to store smelling salts out of reach of children and pets, as accidental ingestion can be toxic. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2023 policy statement on household chemical safety, ammonia-based products should be stored in locked cabinets to prevent accidental exposure. Additionally, never use smelling salts on someone who is unconscious without first ensuring they have no neck or back injury, as moving them could cause further harm. If someone does not regain consciousness quickly, call emergency services immediately. The American Red Cross’s 2022 First Aid manual advises that smelling salts are not a substitute for medical care and should only be used as a temporary measure.

How Do Smelling Salts Compare to Other Alertness Aids?

Smelling salts are one of many options for boosting alertness, but they differ significantly from alternatives like caffeine, energy drinks, or prescription stimulants. The table below compares these options across key factors.

Alertness Aid	Onset of Action	Duration	Mechanism	Primary Risks	Legal Status (2026)
Smelling salts	Immediate (seconds)	2-5 minutes	Ammonia gas irritation	Respiratory irritation, blood pressure spikes	Legal, unregulated in most countries
Caffeine (coffee, tablets)	15-45 minutes	4-6 hours	Adenosine receptor blockade	Insomnia, jitteriness, heart palpitations	Legal, regulated as food/drug
Energy drinks	15-30 minutes	2-4 hours	Caffeine + sugar + taurine	Heart issues, obesity, caffeine overdose	Legal, regulated as food
Prescription stimulants (e.g., modafinil)	30-60 minutes	8-12 hours	Dopamine reuptake inhibition	Addiction, cardiovascular events, psychiatric effects	Prescription only

The choice of alertness aid depends on your needs and risk tolerance. For a quick, short-lived boost, smelling salts may be effective, but they are not suitable for sustained alertness. Caffeine is a safer long-term option for most people, though it takes longer to act. Prescription stimulants are powerful but come with significant side effects and legal restrictions. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any stimulant, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

What Does the Future Hold for Smelling Salts?

As of 2026, the popularity of smelling salts among athletes continues to grow, but so do concerns about safety and regulation. The American Medical Association’s 2024 call for FDA regulation may lead to stricter oversight in the coming years. Additionally, research is ongoing into the long-term effects of ammonia inhalation. A 2025 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is examining the respiratory effects of chronic exposure to ammonia in industrial settings, which could inform future guidelines for consumer use. It is likely that we will see clearer labeling requirements and possible age restrictions in the near future.

In the meantime, consumers should stay informed about the latest evidence and regulations. The WADA’s stance on ammonia inhalants may also evolve as more research emerges on their potential performance-enhancing effects. For now, the consensus among medical professionals is that smelling salts are a temporary and relatively safe tool when used correctly, but they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle or proper medical care. As with any substance, the key is moderation and awareness of your own health status.

Now that you understand the basics of smelling salts, you can make an informed decision about their use. If you’re interested in other lifestyle topics, check out our guides on caffeine and alertness and natural energy boosters.