What is a method to prevent damage to an electronic circuit board?

Discharging static electricity is essential for preventing damage to electronic circuit boards because static electricity can cause electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can severely impact the functionality of sensitive electronic components. When a person is charged with static electricity, touching a circuit board can create a discharge that damages or destroys its components, leading to malfunction.

Discharging static electricity before handling a circuit board, typically through grounding or using wrist straps, ensures that there is no potential difference that could lead to harmful discharges. This method is widely recognized as a critical practice in electronics handling and assembly to maintain the integrity of delicate electronic systems.

Other options, while related to safety and handling, do not directly address the primary risk of ESD. Using insulated tools can help prevent accidental short circuits but doesn't mitigate static discharge. Keeping a board in a humid environment can actually create risks of corrosion rather than preventing damage. Using rubber gloves might reduce the direct handling impact, but it does not inherently reduce static charge accumulation. Thus, discharging static electricity is the most effective method presented for protecting electronic circuit boards from damage.