This document discusses electrostatic discharge (ESD) and ESD control. It explains that ESD occurs when electrically charged objects discharge, which can damage electronic components. Common sources of ESD include walking on carpets and unwrapping tapes. While a discharge of 3,000 volts or more can be felt, far less voltage of only 100 volts can damage electronics. The document outlines the basics of ESD control, which includes grounding conductors like people with wrist straps, shielding ESD sensitive items, and neutralizing insulators with ionizers. Proper ESD control and training of personnel are needed to prevent the costly latent damage caused by ESD that is invisible to the naked eye.