Why Did We Stop Using Smelling Salts, And What Are They Made Of?

18 July 2017, 14:52

Smelling Salts
Smelling Salts. Picture: Google Images

Why did we stop using smelling salts to revive people who had fainted? And what are they made of? A scientist was on hand to answer.

Question

What are smelling salts made of, and are they still used today?

Cheryl, Narberth

Answer

Name: Tony, Kingsbury

Qualification: Scientist

Answer: They are made of ammonium carbonate which sublimates (turns from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid stage) to release ammonia. You can still buy it from places such as Holland and Barrett.