The main solvents present in battery electrolytes consist of alkyl carbonates as well as lithium salts of phosphorus and fluorine. When heated, volatile toxic fluorine and phosphorus gases can be emitted from the electrolyte, along with carbon monoxide and methane.  

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells can breach due to internal thermal runaway or external fire incidents even at temperatures as low as 150°F.

Excessive heat can result in the evaporation of the battery electrolyte, leading to overpressure within the Li-ion battery cell, which can cause the solvent and electrolyte to be expelled from the battery cells under pressure. The flash point of the electrolyte is so low that the electrolyte vapor in the spray can ignite simply due to friction of the expanding gas through the explosion-proof relief valve.