Smelling salts are often used to boost mental alertness and boosting energy after a heavy impact in a contact sport, but after the national Football League (NFL) in the United States banned its use before and during games, other disciplines may also have to take a call on the matter.
Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are chemical compounds used as stimulants to restore consciousness after fainting. They are often used on athletes who have been dazed or knocked unconscious. Their use has now been banned in boxing because of the concern that their effects could mask a more serious injury, and that line of thinking has now been accepted in the NFL.
In a memo to the teams in the league, the NFL has warned that smelling salts “have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion”, the BBC reported.
Smelling salts are a mix of ammonia, water and ethanol, and irritate the nose and lungs, stimulating a sharp intake of breath and a short-term rush of oxygen to the brain. As a result, an athlete who has suffered an injury is often quickly back on his feet and ready for action.
“In 2024, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,” the NFL memo, obtained by The Associated Press, said.
“The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.”
Use of smelling salts is common in contact sports like rugby and even football. The issue of concussion and brain damage has come to the forefront with litigation over claims going to astronomical amounts.
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In rugby, there are no clear-cut rules over the use of smelling salts before a player and his symptoms are assessed by an independent doctor.
World Rugby has introduced instrumented mouth-guards that trigger an alert, and there has to be a mandatory check when a collision exceeds a certain level of force with pitch-side doctors monitoring video of incidents.
Like in cricket, there are several physical and memory tests done in unclear cases to decide whether a player has suffered a concussion or if they can continue in the game.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
