The ozone molecule is O3 and the oxygen molecule we need to breathe is O2. While O2 is very reactive 03 is way more reactive. You can think of it this way: the O3 molecule really wants to be an O2 molecule and so readily gives up an oxygen atom to become O2. This is a really simplistic explanation. Anyway, because of its extreme reactivity, because it oxidizes stuff so readily, it is dangerous to breathe because it oxidizes lung tissue which of course damages the tissue. Excess exposure to ozone can cause lung cancer. Ozone can be used for odor elimination because it oxidizes the chemicals causing the odor. Sometimes only the surface of the odor causing chemical is oxidized and disturbing the surface will enable the odor to be released again. Painting over the surfaces exposed to ozone will oftentimes seal the surface and the odor will no longer be a problem. Sometimes exposing the odor causing chemicals to ozone for a longer time, this time being subject to the ozone concentration and other factors, can oxidize more of the odor causing chemical(s), though not always. Ozone is particularly damaging to rubber and rubber compounds. So make sure you don't have any in the space you will be exposing to ozone. Rubber bands, for example, tend to turn into a sticky gel like substance. Do not breathe the ozone. It is so reactive that it will oxidize the first thing it can. If you are breathing it, and can smell it, it is damaging your lungs. If I was in your situation I think I would try ozone because it is such a good oxidizer. But I would make damn sure not to breathe it.
Eric
P.S.
One other thing about ozone which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It does not hang around like other chemicals might. Chlorine for example. Because it is so reactive it reacts quickly and then is gone. So even though it does a good job oxidizing stuff like removing odors and killing bacteria it won't stick around and keep doing so. This is good if you don't want disinfecting and deodorizing chemicals sticking around, but unfortunate if you do.