MISSOULA,Mont. -- Women lost a little hair today to ease their concerns over the levels of mercury in their bodies.

Boomswagger Salon was busy as usual, but on Wednesday some of their customers weren't coming in for a new style. They were there to test the levels of mercury in their bodies.

With a small snip of hair, women can find out just how much mercury they are carrying around, something of concern to many.

“It can do quite a bit of damage and there can be long-term effects," said Missoula resident Dale Chamberland

Missoula resident Mollie Allers tells NBC Montana, "When the time comes to have children and start a family, it does affect developing brains."

Researchers say fish such as lake trout, northern pike and walleye can carry some of the highest levels of mercury and should not be eaten by women of childbearing age, nursing mothers or children six and under.

"Mercury contamination problem in the U.S. and Montana is very widespread. Up to one in six women of childbearing age have enough mercury in their bodies to put their babies at risk," said Sierra Club associate regional representative Bob Clark.

High levels of mercury can interfere with brain development in infants and small children. The body stores it and women can pass it on to a fetus.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks the level of contaminants in fish varies from one body of water to another and also depends to the size of the fish. For example, Flathead Lake trout over 26 inches have higher concentrations of mercury. FWP recommends men eat no more than three fish in a month, and for children and women of childbearing age, no more than one fish.

Clark says testing a small chunk of hair is the best way to get results on mercury. "Mercury and other toxins are stored in the hair follicles and for a lab it's a really a good way for them to determine the level of mercury that's in your body."

Test results are expect to take four to six weeks.

Here are a few facts about mercury.

The EPA estimates one of six women of childbearing age have enough mercury in their bodies to put a fetus at risk during pregnancy.

Officials report lake trout, northern pike and walleye have the highest levels of mercury in Montana waters.

The EPA reports 50% to 75% of mercury pollution comes from coal-fired power plants.