We all need to be aware of the dangers that face electronic components. Electrostatic discharge can cause a component to fail immediately, or shorten the component's life by damaging it. I found an interesting article (click here to read about an unusual ESD accident) about a mine worker who was actually hurt by electrostatic discharge. Although you and I have little to worry about bodily injury from ESD on the production line, it’ll probably come to mind next time you wear ESD boot straps or a carbon-lined jacket.