What determines how much carbon dioxide your blood absorbs?

The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the blood is primarily influenced by the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air and the duration of exposure to those concentrations. When carbon dioxide levels are higher in the environment, more of this gas is available to be absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. Additionally, the longer the duration of exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide, the more blood will absorb this gas due to the principles of diffusion, where gas molecules move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.

While other factors like the type of activity performed, age, and overall health status might affect how efficiently the body utilizes and expels carbon dioxide, the direct mechanism of absorption is dictated by the concentration gradient and exposure time. Therefore, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air is the key determinant of how much is absorbed into the blood.