Overview of the Book: Background, Scope, and Key Findings

This chapter presents an overview of the background, scope, structure, and principal findings of this book on the safety assessment of nanocellulose materials (NCMs), with a primary focus on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The book is based on the outcomes of national research projects commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), together with an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature. It integrates current scientific knowledge on human health hazards, exposure assessment, environmental impacts, and biodegradability of NCMs. This chapter outlines the conceptual framework of the book, clarifies terminology, and summarizes the key findings presented in each chapter.