Latex allergies impact between one percent and six percent of the general public and cause sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, shock or even death, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Non-healthcare personnel - including postal and airport security workers, office mail handers and toll collectors - increasingly wear latex gloves in their daily activities, according to the group. Latex gloves can spread allergies to the wearer and others and trigger reactions in those already sensitized.