SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The NFL is banning the use of “smelling salts” during games, saying the products aren’t proven to be safe and also could mask signs of a concussion.

The league sent a memo to teams on Tuesday explaining the decision to ban smelling salts and any other ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime on the sideline or locker rooms.

FILE - Smelling salts lay on the sidelines during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Zach Bolinger | AP Photo/Zach Bolinger, File)

“In 2024, the FDA 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

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