They could fry your computer

or other device that uses small close fitting circuits.
They seem to grow on tin & gold,etc.
Maybe they are alive!
Nano/quantum life forms?

I suppose if I were in the rocket\space launching business (and it's a darn good thing I'm not) I'd be looking at every little thing too.

NASA: Mr. President, we've lost another shuttle.

President: What happened?

NASA: We forgot to check for tin whiskers.

President: Huh?