It also forms free radicals to chemically interfere with the chain reaction of the combustion process.

This makes it a highly effective fire fighting agent that is safe for people and causes no damage to equipment.

Due to its global warming potential (GWP) of 3500 times that of CO₂ and atmospheric lifetime of 29 years, it is included in the list of controlled substances of the Montreal Protocol.

Following the introduction and acceptance of the PBPK model in the NFPA standard 2001 on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems 2004 Edition, the restriction was relaxed and now HFC-125 can be used in occupied hazards.

An Acid Scavenging Additive added to pentafluoroethane is able to reduce the amount of hydrogen fluoride.