Electrostatic meters measure voltage, field, and charge without transferring the static charge to the instrument. They eliminate the need to modify parameters due to changing loads. Electrostatic meters can determine if a static charge is present, measure the amount of static (if any), and indicate the polarity of the charge. Because electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electronics, electrostatic meters are often used to monitor the presence of electrostatic charge in environments where static electricity can damage these components or hinder certain processes. They are used in the production of sensitive electronic components for computers and medical devices, and can be used in laboratory or research settings to monitor the potential buildup of static electricity.