Editing Smelling salts (section)

== Risks ==
Exposure to ammonia gas in large concentrations for prolonged periods is toxic and can be fatal.<ref name="BJSM" /><ref name="scifun" /> 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 {{convert|10–15|cm|in|0}}.<ref name="BJSM" />

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,<ref name="BJSM" /> such as after [[Traumatic brain injury|concussions]] when hospitalization may be advisable, and some governing bodies recommend specifically against it.<ref name="thefa">{{cite web |publisher=The Football Association |title=Pitchside medical care |url=http://www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/Coach/Postings/2004/06/MedicalKitBag |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071029051823/http://www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/Coach/Postings/2004/06/MedicalKitBag |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-10-29 }}</ref> The irritant nature of smelling salts means that they can exacerbate any pre-existing [[cervical spine]] injury by causing reflex withdrawal away from them, although this has been found to be a result of holding the smelling salts closer to the nose than recommended.<ref name="BJSM" />