Cashless Payments Linked to Fewer Swallowed Coins in Children

A shift to cashless transactions may have reduced cases of children swallowing coins, cutting hospital procedures for removal by 29% from 2012 to 2022.

• 195 fewer procedures for swallowed items
• 484 fewer nasal removals
• 10 fewer respiratory tract procedures

Coins once made up 75% of swallowed objects in children under six. The decline coincides with the rise of digital payments, though child-proof packaging and safety campaigns also played a role.

New Dangers: Button Batteries & Magnets

Doctors warn of rising cases involving button batteries and magnets, which can cause life-threatening injuries within hours.

Foreign Object Removal Still Costs Millions.

The NHS spends £3 million annually on foreign object removals, with children accounting for most cases.

While digital payments may have made kids safer, experts urge continued vigilance against emerging hazards.

01-04-2025