UK’s Cashless Shift Linked to 29% Drop in Child Surgeries for Swallowed Objects

A decade-long decline in coin usage has reduced the number of children requiring surgery, but other hazards like button batteries remain a concern.

The transition to cashless payments in the UK since 2012 has led to fewer coins in households, contributing to a 29% reduction in surgeries for children swallowing or inserting objects between 2012 and 2022.
Coins historically accounted for over 75% of ingested objects by children under six, making their reduced presence a significant factor in the decline.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England highlighted the unintended health benefits of societal changes, noting that fewer surgeries have eased pressure on NHS resources.
Healthcare professionals warn parents to remain vigilant about other hazardous items, such as button batteries and magnets, which continue to pose serious risks.
The findings underscore how lifestyle shifts, like the adoption of cashless payments, can have broader implications for public health and resource allocation.