Karen Phillipps has over 25 years of experience in toxicology and risk assessment consulting in Canada.
She has completed several comprehensive human health risk assessments (HHRA) in support of environmental impact assessments (EIA) for oil sands and other mining projects, pipelines, natural resources projects (gravel pits, reservoirs) or risk assessments related to natural gas operations. She has been involved in contaminated site assessments in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
As a Board-Certified toxicologist, Karen has completed numerous scientific literature reviews and has been involved in the development of risk assessment guidance and in the development of toxicity reference values and environmental criteria. She has also provided expert advisory services for litigation on various issues.
Karen also provides support to the Chemicals and Consumer Products Division of Intrinsik as a senior reviewer or signing Certified Toxicologist on Toxicological Risk Assessments for various jurisdictions, including Canada, the US (including Proposition 65 assessments), Europe and Australia.
Experience Highlights
Manager of a Standing Offer for Human Health Risk Assessment Services with Health Canada Safe Environments Directorate and has completed multiple projects related to chemical exposure and toxicity, air quality, contaminated sites assessment and guidance development for various Health Canada departments.
Provides expert support and review for Alberta Health under Standing Offer
Review and development of scientific assessments of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Completed multiple risk assessments or provided toxicological expertise for comprehensive human health risk assessments for oil sands mines and steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) projects, various types of industrial operations, water reservoirs and natural resources projects (pits and mines)
Evaluation of air quality health related impacts in indoor and outdoor air
Preparation of scientific communication materials for technical and public audiences
Assessment of multiple pathway exposures and related exposure modelling
Human health risk assessment of treated oil sands mine water (OSMW) and oil sands process water (OSPW)
Has led and completed several human health risk assessments related to municipal wastewater in Alberta
Education and Professional Qualifications
Qualified Person (QP) for the Province of Saskatchewan
Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT)
EUROTOX Registered Toxicologist (ERT)
United Kingdom Registry of Toxicologists (UKRT)
Sc., University of Guelph
Sc.(Hon), University of Guelph
Professional Affiliations
Alberta Society for Human Toxicology (Currently serving as a Director from 2025-2027)
Society of Toxicology (Full Member) and multiple Specialty Sections of SOT
Join Our Team
Intrinsik Corp., is a dynamic science-based consulting firm. We are eagerly interested in professionals to add to our accredited staff base. Intrinsik is strongly committed to our employees by ensuring mentoring, training and advancement for those with a drive to succeed. Our areas of expertise include and are not limited to toxicology, human health and environmental risk assessment, biology, multi-media exposure modeling, environmental science, and risk management.
Diversity is not only part of our company’s culture, it is a core business strategy. We are building a workforce that is representative of our society, and our programs and policies are designed to foster diversity and inclusion.
AODA Declaration
Our goal is to create an environment that is inclusive to all members of the community. Intrinsik Corp., focuses on identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities, and our policy complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
How Can We Help?
Our scientists have the expertise to address your complex
toxicological health and environmental issues, including product
development and business risks to avoid scientific and regulatory delays.
