The electrons are high enough energy that they can damage the wall, yes. But also they're simply a route for energy loss from the plasma that you don't want. E.g. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-48672-7
Thanks! It's exactly what I needed, but felt too lazy to look up (which is uncharacteristic of me, but, well, why have forums if you have to look everything up yourself).
