I ran an ozone generator in a minivan for 4 hours to kill a smoke smell. I aired it out, but the customer complains the “bleach smell” is giving them headaches and won’t go away. Also, the seatbelt rubber feels brittle. They want the interior replaced.
Key Takeaways
- Ozone is Corrosive: Ozone degrades rubber, plastic, and foam. Overusing it (high concentration or long time) causes Physical Damage.
- Bodily Injury (Fumes): If the customer claims the fumes made them sick, that is a General Liability (Bodily Injury) claim.
- Pollution Exclusion Risk: Ozone is a gas. Some insurers might try to classify it as a “pollutant” to deny the claim, though this is a stretch for an interior treatment.
- Workmanship Error: Running it for 4 hours is arguably negligence (most protocols say 30-60 mins). This triggers the “Faulty Workmanship” exclusion.
The “Why” (The Trap): Invisible Damage
The smell isn’t “damage” in a traditional sense. It’s “Loss of Use” or “Nuisance.”
However, brittle seatbelts ARE physical damage.
Trap: Proving the ozone caused the brittleness. The insurer will argue “Wear and Tear” on an old minivan.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked about Ozone Liability.
1. General Liability
- Bodily Injury: Covered. If they went to the doctor for respiratory issues.
- Property Damage: Denied. “Care, Custody, Control” and “Workmanship.”
2. Garage Keepers
- Property Damage: Might cover the brittle rubber if you have “Comprehensive” coverage, but they will likely cite “Workmanship” (you ran it too long).
Comparison Table: Ozone Risks
| Issue | Insurance Coverage | Solution |
| Lingering Smell | Denied (Nuisance) | Heat/Air Out |
| Degraded Rubber | Denied (Workmanship) | Replace Parts |
| Customer Sick | Covered (GL) | Medical Payments |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Airing Out Protocol: Never return a car immediately. Drive it with windows down for 20 minutes. Run AC on fresh air.
- Use Chlorine Dioxide Instead: It is safer and less corrosive than ozone for tough odors.
- Waiver: “Ozone treatment may leave a temporary residual scent. We are not responsible for degradation of aged rubber components.”
- Heat Fix: Heat accelerates ozone decay. Park the car in the sun with windows cracked.
FAQ
Q: Does the smell ever go away?
A: Yes, ozone decomposes back into oxygen (O2) fairly quickly. A lingering smell is usually “oxidized byproducts” (dead bacteria), not the ozone itself.
Q: Can I get sued for asthma attacks?
A: Yes. Always warn asthmatics to let the car air out for 24 hours.
[IMAGE: Graphic showing an Ozone Generator with a timer set to “30 Mins” (Green) vs “4 Hours” (Red).]