Effects of gastric acid on euro coins: chemical reaction and radiographic appearance after ingestion by infants and children

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated whether coins of the new European currency (J) corrode when they are exposed to gastric acid, and whether this change can be detected radiographically. Methods: The eight different denominations of J coins were immersed for seven days in 0.15 N hydrochloride acid (HCl), which corresponds to the level of post-prandial gastric acid. A Swedish crown coin and three different Austrian schilling coins were used as controls. The coins were weighed and radiographed daily to evaluate visible corrosions and HCl was analysed daily for possible dissolved substances. Results: All coins lost weight within 24 hours after exposure to HCl. The 1, 2, and 5 J cent coins developed changes that were visible on radiographs. The weights of all coins decreased by 0.43% to 11.30% during one week. The dissolved substances measured in the HCl corresponded to the different metals and alloys of the coins, except for copper, which does not dissolve in HCl. The highest absolute weight loss was observed in the Swedish crown coin (0.67 g), and the highest relative weight loss in the 1 Austrian schilling coin (11.30%). The two J coins that showed the highest absolute and relative weight losses were the 2 J (0.54 g or 6.35%) and the 1 J (0.48 g or 6.39%) coin. Conclusions: A higher rate of toxicity for the new European coins compared with coins of other currencies is not expected, unless a massive coin ingestion occurs.

Antacids in the initial management of metallic zinc ingestion in dogs

“…The data reported here clearly support the hypothesis that the rate of metallic zinc dissolution in an acidic environment is dependent on the degree of acidity, while indicating that intact copper plating significantly reduces enclosed zinc core dissolution. Similar conclusions were drawn from experiments conducted on new European coins comparing the dissolution of various alloys and copper in HCl solutions (Puig et al. , 2004).…”

Endoscopic Techniques and Management of Foreign Body Ingestion and Food Bolus Impaction in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract: A Retrospective Analysis of 139 Cases

“…41 A higher rate of toxicity for h coins compared with coins of other currencies is not expected, unless an excessive coin ingestion occurs. 42 Notably, the 1, 2, and 5 h cent pieces are magnetic and can possibly be removed with a magnet tube. 43 General anesthesia should be used in most pediatric patients and in uncooperative patients or patients with multiple or complex foreign bodies and food boluses in whom the removal would take an extended period of time.…”

Introduction of the euro: the change is easily swallowed at a young age

“…Since the coins minted over the last century are not single metals, but alloys, knowledge of their composition is important so that the corrosive toxic effects can be better understood in ingestions [5]. Although zinc has been implicated in toxicity, no reports are available on toxicity after aluminum, copper, tin, or steel ingestion [1].…”