Which environmental condition can negatively impact IACS integrity?

Particulates can negatively impact the integrity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) because they can interfere with hardware and electronic components. In an industrial environment, particulates such as dust, dirt, and other airborne materials can accumulate on critical components, leading to physical damage or operational failure. For instance, dust buildup on circuit boards can cause overheating or short-circuits, while particulates on sensors can affect their accuracy and responsiveness, compromising the entire system's reliability.

Maintaining clean environments is crucial for IACS, as contaminants can impact not only performance but also the safety and security of operations. Therefore, ensuring that equipment is protected from particulates is essential for preserving system integrity and maintaining overall operational continuity.