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Do metal beds pose a health risk?

Linda Macintosh asks via the Go Ask Allison Phone Center (212-598-4910, ext. 2):

My daughter wants us to buy her a cast-iron bed for her birthday, but I've heard that putting a metal bed near walls with wiring isn't a good idea. Is this true?

The Green Guide replies:

There is growing public concern with ELF (extra-low-frequency) radiation. Household electric appliances and wires -- any device that carries electric current -- generates both electrical and magnetic fields. Household electric wires always have some voltage present, and therefore steadily emit a very low-level electrical field. In the presence of an electrical field, metal objects can become magnetized, making them emit a low-level DC ("direct current") magnetic field, which cannot be shielded or eliminated easily.

The field levels are very low, and no conclusive data exists to suggest that harm to health arises from exposure to these fields. However, The Healthy House author John Bower suggests that, as a prudent precautionary measure, EMF fields be reduced -- especially in the bedroom, as some evidence points to heightened sensitivity during sleep. Aside from threats to health, Panther Wilde, a healthy home consultant, says that dozens of clients report more peaceful sleep once bedroom electrical fields are minimized. Mary Cardaro, CEO of H3Environmental Corp., also suggests eliminating metal from the bedroom as much as possible, especially near the bed.

So it seems the most prudent course is to choose wood for your daughter's bedframe. You can consult The Green Guide's Wood Furniture Product Report, should you choose to go this route. If she has her heart set on cast iron, you can purchase a grounded shield-cloth kit (a graphite-thread-impregnated fabric sheet) from an electrical supplies store to place under the mattress pad of your bed.

While urging prudent measures, John Bower believes that other threats to health in the home are more serious than typical ELF radiation. If concerned, you can measure the electromagnetic fields in your home by:

• Buying a hand-held meter from a hardware store (you can find one for under $100).
• Contacting The National Electromagnetic Field Testing Association (NEFTA) or Bau-Biologie USA for a trained professional.

NEFTA recommends a prudent standard of 2-3 mG (milliGauss) for magnetic field levels, based on laboratory and on-site research.