HFC-125 is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming. Used primarily in refrigeration systems and fire extinguishers, its atmospheric concentration has increased exponentially over the past two decades.
A recent Canadian study used satellite data to measure its levels in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere for the first time. The findings highlight the scale of the problem and the need for urgent action to limit its impact.
What is HFC-125 and why is it a concern?
HFC-125 is a member of the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) family of synthetic gases created to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The latter were previously used in aerosols and refrigerators but were phased out because they were depleting the ozone layer.
Although HFCs, including HFC-125, do not affect the ozone layer, they pose another serious problem. Commonly used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and refrigerators, as well as in fire suppression systems, they have a global warming potential (GWP) of about 3,500 times that of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over 100 years. This means that a small amount of HFC-125 in the atmosphere has a much greater impact on the climate than an equivalent amount of CO₂.