ESD products would not be necessary if ESD did not exist in the first place. So what exactly is ESD? Electrostatic discharge is not a reaction that can be seen, unless it is affecting a mechanical or electronic object or we see the reaction when a person is shocked by it. In essence, it develops when two objects rub against each other and electrons shift in such a way that an electrical charge is created. As simple as this process sounds, it can cause extreme and permanent interference or damage to mechanical and electronic equipment. Also, the shocks received by human contact can sometimes be very painful. This is why a plethora of ESD products were created, to protect equipment and human workers from electrostatic discharges.

Like most industrial products, there are a number of variances among ESD products based on the applications and environments they are designed and manufactured for. For example, ionizers are machines that blow air with positive and negative ions in it into a particular space. These ions neutralize the air of static electricity as well as the surfaces of any objects crossing the air blower path. Another example is anti static gloves, which are made from a variety of fabrics that will fit snuggly to the hands wearing them as long as all points that will make contact with objects are covered with anti static fabrics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These products protect the human wearers as well as the products they handle from electrostatic discharges.

Other ESD products are as different as the first two examples. Because of the many environments needing static protection, each with their own specifications, a mixed bag of products has been created to meet the need. A whole market has risen up to protect the technological creations of our age, and the creativity instilled into the protection is as astounding as the original works.