A continuously electrically-conductive container contains an electrically-insulating support for holding an electric-field-sensitive article, 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. A SMIF pod comprises an electrically conductive container for holding an electric-field-sensitive article. A system has boundary walls that form a chamber for a controlled environment. The system includes a load port for receiving a SMIF pod and an end effector made of insulating material for moving a field-sensitive article within the chamber to and from the SMIF pod. An ionizer neutralizes electric charges on the field-sensitive article.