Relation of body mass index and waist-to-height ratio to cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Freedman DS, Kahn HS, Mei Z, Grummer-Strawn LM, Dietz WH, Srinivasan SR, Berenson GS. [PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE].
Smelling salts release ammonia (NH3) gas, which triggers an inhalation reflex (that is, causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster) by irritating the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs. Although these hypothetical mechanisms have been discussed, it is likely that smelling salts are not effective.
Hockeyâs very superstitious in their ways. It does give you a little jolt, whether itâs just in my head.â. Given the briefness of these sniffing sessions, health risks are virtually non-existent. âNo reports of adverse health problems related to the use of smelling salts in sports,â the BJSM article concluded. At least, not for the ammonia itself. One year, Palmieri either squeezed too tight or used a shoddy brand, realizing this when he looked down and saw blood.