The death of computer components from electrostatic can be a bit of a mystery.
Discrete components (eg DIPs, ROMs, CPUs) are easy to kill. Walk a few steps on a nylon carpet with one in your hand, and you're taking a big gamble. SIMMs and DIMMs are similarly easy to kill.
Old fashioned, big assemblies (S-100, ISA, MCA, VL-Bus and early NuBus cards) are easy to kill.
More modern, dense or compact assemblies seem to endure a lot of abuse. I'd include LC PDS cards, PCI and all later expansion designs in that group.
All the same, it is best to cultivate safe habits. Pop your bits in a protective bag when moving them around. If you can't find a bag, pop them on a conductive metal baking tray.