A shift towards a cashless society has led to a decline in the number of children requiring medical procedures to remove swallowed or lodged objects, according to new research.
An analysis published in The Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England has found that far fewer children are now needing hospital treatment to remove foreign bodies from their throats, noses, and airways. The study suggests that the reduced use of coins, due to the increasing prevalence of contactless payments, has played a key role in this trend.
Contactless payments and a safer environment
Contactless payment technology was introduced in the UK in 2007, but its widespread adoption accelerated in 2012. Since then, cash payments have been in steady decline, with card and mobile payments becoming the preferred methods of transaction.
Researchers examined hospital records from 2000 to 2022, focusing on babies and children up to the age of 14 who required medical intervention for removing foreign objects. They found that, from 2012 onwards, there was a significant drop in cases of children swallowing coins or inserting them into their nasal cavities and airways.
Between 2012 and 2022, there was a 29% decline in the number of cases, with procedures dropping from 2,405 in 2012 to 1,716 in 2022.
Breakdown of the decline
- Digestive tract operations decreased from 708 in 2012 to 513 in 2022 – a drop of 195 cases.
- Nasal cavity operations fell from 1,565 to 1,081 – a reduction of 484 cases.
- Respiratory tract procedures declined slightly, from 132 to 122 cases.
These findings highlight a clear link between the shift away from physical currency and a decrease in coin-related medical incidents among children.
Coins: A common household hazard
Coins have historically been one of the most frequently swallowed objects by children, especially those under the age of six. Their thin, round shape and accessibility make them easy to ingest, often leading to emergency medical procedures.
Lead researcher Akash Jangan, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) registrar, emphasised the unintended health benefits of moving towards a cashless society.
“Our research shows that using cashless payment methods instead of coins has potentially helped keep children safe and reduced the need for surgery. This unintended finding proves that changes in how we live can make a difference to people’s health. It also means healthcare resources can be allocated to helping patients in other ways.”
The study estimates that the cost of removing foreign objects from children amounts to around £2.8 million per year, meaning this reduction in cases could lead to significant savings for the NHS.
Other factors at play
While the decline in coin usage appears to be a major contributor, researchers also acknowledged that other factors may have helped reduce the number of children ingesting objects.
- Improved child-proof packaging on household items may have prevented young children from accessing small, hazardous objects.
- Greater parental awareness about choking hazards has led to better supervision and prevention.
- Changes in manufacturing standards have reduced the number of easily swallowed items in children’s toys and everyday products.
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Other household dangers remain
Despite the positive impact of reduced cash usage, doctors continue to warn parents about other hazardous small objects that remain a serious threat to children.
Ram Moorthy, a consultant surgeon at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, welcomed the findings but urged caution:
“It is positive that fewer children are swallowing coins. This study shows how new technology can make children safer in ways we didn’t intend, but there are still hazardous items to be aware of.
“As doctors, we still worry about other dangerous items, such as button batteries and magnets, that can really cause harm. We must continue to make sure that small items like this are not within a child’s reach.”
Button batteries, in particular, pose a life-threatening risk as they can cause severe internal burns if swallowed. Magnets, often found in modern toys and gadgets, can also cause major complications if ingested.
A changing world, a safer future?
The study highlights how technological advancements can lead to unexpected health benefits. The transition to a cashless society has not only transformed the way people shop but has also indirectly improved child safety by reducing access to loose change.
While new risks continue to emerge, particularly with the rise of electronic devices and their components, the decline in coin-related incidents is a promising sign. As the UK moves further towards a digital economy, researchers hope that additional public health benefits may follow.
