An overwhelming majority of Japanese are uneasy about chemical pollution of the environment from factories, automobile exhaust and pesticides, according to a recent Environment Ministry survey released Monday.

A poll of 1,500 citizens around the nation found that 83 percent of respondents are uneasy about chemicals released from factories and waste incineration, while at least 75 percent of respondents are concerned about chemicals in automobile exhaust, household products and pesticides.

Nearly 40 percent of those polled are uneasy because harmful chemicals are being released, while a quarter of respondents say that news reports affected their concerns.