A datasheet was completed for each recruit incorporating demographic details, proximity to industrial areas, types of dwelling/roofing, cooking utensils, contraceptive use, personal habits (smoking and alcohol consumption), dietary history, hair products/treatments and reproductive history. We sought information regarding diet, hair treatments and contraception for 6 months prior to sampling. Hair was sampled from the nape of the neck, just above the hair line and marked proximally to identify the newest growth. The RPL and control subjects were compared using a chi square or t test as appropriate.