Flux remover causes ESD damage?

[Faringdon]

Hi,
Would you agree, this flux-remover with brush applicator can cause ESD damage?...Eg , if brushed over chips....we have a board with what appears to be an ESD damaged LTC3721-1, after brushing over it with this applicator. The brush is on the end of a plastic holder...as can be seen..

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solder-flux-removers/2987921?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_Power_Tools_%26_Soldering_%26_Welding_Whoop-_-Solder+Flux+Removers_Whoop-_-2987921&matchtype=&pla-338094537262&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=10914490527&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gclid=CjwKCAiA7vWcBhBUEiwAXieItoe-NJq24bxvkWqM0WsfuVWHxM0W0hUXB8YSoTCI-WWMi-ETyhhASRoCJe4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Gyro]

What else can I blame? 

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/laying-pcb-in-plastic-box-caused-esd-damage/

[jc101]

I often use something similar to clean flux after modifying prototype boards, never had any issue with ESD damage to any part.  It's Electrolube Aerosol Flux Remover

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solder-flux-removers/2058449

I generally given them a squirt with the flux remover that has a stiff brush in the end and a scrub, then a squirt with isopropyl, another brush towards to the edges.  After that I give it a blast with compressed air to dry the board off.  I have a small oilless compressor rather than canned air, cheaper in the long run.

In fact, over the years, despite probably some pretty shocking treatment, I've never damaged anything with ESD that I've been aware of.

[jpanhalt]

The datasheet doesn't say that particular flux remover is "esd" safe.  Time to stop wasting time with hypotheticals, i.e., you can't prove something won't happen, and for Faringdon to do a controlled experiment.  The fact a SMPS of his design doesn't work may be consistent with ESD damage, but there are a lot of more likely reasons.

[coppercone2]

just get a ESD safe brush and don't use the thing on the can, its dodgy