Keenan Research Centre
Scientist Profiles
Frances S. Silverman
PhD (respiratory physiology), McGill University; M.Sc. (physiology), McGill University; BS (science), McGill University
Affiliations
Scientist in the Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital
Research Interests
Air pollution, respiratory irritation, conc. ambient particles, lung function, inhalation toxicology, induced sputum
Research Activities
My research interests focus on the respiratory effects of inhaled irritants and the health effects of airborne environmental contaminants, and include controlled environment chamber studies on asthmatic and health subjects, using ozone, tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen dioxide and particulates, as well as other studies of the effects of inhaled contaminants on humans in actual field circumstances. These have related to the effects of ventilation and concentration as dose variables, the effect of pre-existing conditions (asthma), and interactions of contaminants and interaction with airborne allergens. As well, field studies have involved the impact of indoor and outdoor inhaled contaminants.
Adverse respiratory health effects of inhaled irritant environmental contaminants; inhalation toxicology (controlled environmental facility); studies directed at the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and potential prevention of adverse health effects of inhaled irritants and the roles they play in the development of lung disease.
Selected Research
Other Activities
- AllerGen Network of Centres of Excellence, Programme A Leader Alternate and Member, Research Management Committee
- Member, American Thoracic Society EOH Assembly Planning Committee
Educational Activities
I have appointments in the departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences and the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) at the University of Toronto. I currently supervise two fellows and five graduate/undergraduate students in the IMS and in Public Health Sciences. I am interested in accepting additional graduate, undergraduate, and summer students and postdoctoral fellows.
Contact
Phone: 416-978-5883
Fax: 416-978-2608
E-mail: frances.silverman@utoronto.ca
