Water-reactive chemicals react violently with water, releasing heat and, in some cases, explosive by-products. Of chief concern are the alkali metals. Alkali metals react vigorously with water to form the hydroxide and gaseous hydrogen. The alkali metal-water reaction is exothermic. The heat generated can ignite the hydrogen gas. The rate of reaction and the hazard severity increase as atomic weight increases.
Since these chemicals have an instant reaction when exposed to water, using fire fighting foam to cover the spill is not always the most effective way of controlling vapor production due to the presence of water in the foam itself. However, the introduction of PetroGuard chemical spill solidifying absorbent in conjunction with fire fighting foam products, production of large amounts of toxic vapor can be avoided. Always use the recommended foam products (Chemguard) when dealing with reactive chemicals. Our aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), Class A foams, wetting agents, high-expansion foam concentrates, and protein foams are suitable for ground and air attack, creating firebreaks, for use with compressed-air foam systems (CAFS), and mop-up operations.
PetroGuard has been used by industry for several years for the control of chemicals like chlorosilane or titanium tetrachloride. The application of PetroGuard to the surface of the spill before the foam application will inhibit or prevent production of toxic vapors instantly. The subsequent application of foam will then give an added level of security and will then allow time to determine next steps for removal of treated chemicals. Generally this is done by collecting the solidified matrix and securely packaging it for disposal. Incineration is the recommended method of disposal.

Watch a video demonstration of how PetroGuard captures TiCl4.
PetroGuard vs TiCl4