Ammonia Salts Side Effects. Ammonia used to be commonly used in boxing until it was banned to prevent head and brain injuries. They smell a little like very strong Windex but I mean very strong.
In most smelling salts ammonia is present which is toxic in nature. Harmful effects that can be caused by ammonium carbonate. Ammonia gas which is the key component in smelling salts is toxic in large amounts.
In the 14th centurys The Canterbury Tales a character purports to use sal armonyak.
It may cause Salt Cataract increased ocular pressure and degeneration of the retina Inhalation. The sharp fumes from the ammonia may burn the membranes in your nostrils but this would require frequent and heavy use of. If you hold it too close to your nose and breathe in too deeply your head jerks back involuntarily and your sinuses sting. Not known to cause cancer.
