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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