Concerns have been raised about the space station's air quality

Caernarfon-based PPM Technology Limited has revealed it has been approached to supply safety devices for use on board the International Space Station.

If the deal goes ahead, astronauts will use hand-held and fixed monitoring meters on the space station to check for dangerous levels of toxic gasses.

John Jones, managing director of the company, which employs just seven people at the Cibyn industrial estate, said completion of the deal was "imminent."

"You can't get any bigger or more exclusive a customer than Nasa and the International Space Station, and we were so pleased when we first got the enquiry from them," he said.

Safety concerns

Mr Jones and two partners bought PPM Technology Limited four years ago.

The company specialises in the detection of small levels of the potentially dangerous formaldehyde and other toxic gases in buildings.

So far the value of the Nasa contract remains unconfirmed, and there are no plans to employ additional staff.

Mr Jones's company already exports worldwide

Nevertheless, Mr Jones said he was optimistic the company could expand.

"We do sell all over the world and we hope as a result of the deal, it will improve our marketing and sales," he said.

Nasa has commissioned the equipment to monitor the chemical formaldehyde following health and safety concerns.

The substance can cause watery eyes, burning in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing.

Last month concerns were voiced about the safety of the International Space Station's air cleaning systems.

Some ground engineers had reportedly claimed that a growing array of hardware problems was preventing the proper assessment of the quality of air, water, and radiation levels aboard the platform.

Medical officials have concerns had been growing for more than a year. Astronauts complaining of headaches and dizziness.