Abstract: A continuously electrically-conductive container (104) contains an electrically-insulating support (110) for holding an electric-field-sensitive article (112), such as a reticle, so that the article is shielded from external electric fields and is not in electrical contact with a conductive container wall (106). A SMIF pod (302, 510) comprises an electrically conductive container for holding an electric-field-sensitive article. A system (502) has boundary walls (504) that form a chamber (506) for a controlled environment. The system includes a load port (508) for receiving a SMIF pod and an end effector (522) made of insulating material for moving a field-sensitive article (516) within the chamber to and from the SMIF pod. An ionizer (542) neutralizes electric charges on the field-sensitive article.