Final answer:
Disinfectants that cause skin irritation or damage to materials and have a high pH are bases, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in cleaning agents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disinfectants with a high pH that can cause skin irritation or damage rubber and plastic materials are typically bases. Bases, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide found in many cleaning agents, have a pH greater than 7 and are known for their ability to dissolve fats, oils, and proteins. This makes them effective for cleaning but also dangerous, as they can cause burns on skin and degrade certain materials. Alkaline cleansers, including products like bleach with a pH of 12, can be especially harmful due to their strong caustic nature, leading to chemical burns upon direct contact with the skin or flesh.