Carbon dioxide can diffuse into the bloods plasma or into the blood stream. 7% of it dissolves into the plasma, 23% binds to hemoglobin, and 70% becomes bicarbonate. When carbon dioxide binds to hemoglobin it changes the shape of hemoglobin preventing it from binding to oxygen. When carbon dioxide in the blood stream reacts with water it forms bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The hydrogen ions make the blood acidic. When the blood becomes highly acidic, it can disrupt the normal functions of a cell. Therefore, an increase in carbon dioxide in the blood can be dangerous. Carbon dioxide is constantly being filtered out of the body through the lungs.
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