NFL's Smelling Salts Ban Lifts The Lid On Safety Risks Of The Practice

NFL players used to get a quick jolt from smelling salts on the sidelines, using them as a fast way to perk up during games. But now the NFL is banning smelling salts — not just because they don't really work, but because they may actually be dangerous (per NFL.com). The league pointed to a 2024 advisory from the Food and Drug Administration warning about the risks of inhaling ammonia, which is one of the active ingredients of smelling salts. The FDA said these inhalants can irritate the throat, constrict airways, and in some cases, lead to seizures, vomiting, migraines, or shortness of breath.

The NFL also noted that smelling salts could potentially mask signs of a concussion, which is a major concern due to the long-term impact of head injuries. In recent years, rule changes and new technology have helped reduce the number of concussions on the field.

(Read what a concussion does to your brain.)

Many players weren't happy about the decision, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. Still, the ban doesn't stop players from using smelling salts altogether. The rule just prevents teams from providing them (per Associated Press). But that doesn't necessarily mean they're safe and effective.

You'll typically find ammonia in some cleaning products, and it doesn't exactly smell pleasant. Smelling salts, which contain ammonia, are sold over the counter as powders or packets. Since the 13th century, they've been used to revive people who felt faint or lightheaded. The strong odor stimulates the sympathetic nervous system – the "fight or flight" response — which triggers a stress reaction and makes you feel more alert.

Although smelling salts can create a feeling of alertness, there's no solid evidence they actually boost energy, improve strength, or fight fatigue. They've also been promoted as alternatives to caffeine or even as hangover cures, but those claims aren't backed by science. The FDA has issued warning letters to some smelling salt manufacturers for promoting their products for unapproved uses and failing to provide clinical evidence to support their claims.

According to a 2023 review in Sports Health, smelling salts can increase heart rate and blood flow to the brain without raising blood pressure. They may give a small performance boost during high-intensity exercise, but they don't help with short bursts of maximum effort. More importantly, they can make brain injuries worse. (Read about the common brain injury that is becoming a silent epidemic.) The ammonia can cause an involuntary reflex that makes a person suddenly jerk their head back, which can be dangerous if a concussion is already present. And because smelling salts can make someone feel temporarily alert, they may also mask signs of a concussion such as confusion and dizziness, which could allow an injured player to get back into the game.