Carbon dioxide must be eliminated on a continuous basis to maintain the body's acid-base balance.
Acid-base balance is controlled by chemoreceptors located near the respiratory center that are sensitive to changes in the pH of cerobrospinal fluid.
When ventilation is inadequate, the pH drops and the carbon dioxide level rises. The rise in carbon dioxide stimulates the respiratory center to increase the rate and depth of respirations to remove excess carbon dioxide.
B.H.Wilson 