by the time the action is fully implemented, the epa estimates that 2.6 million tons of smog-causing nitrogen oxide emissions will be eliminated each year. soot or particulate matter will be reduced by an estimated 110,000 tons a year. the reduction in sulfur will also prevent an estimated 8,300 premature deaths, 5,500 cases of chronic bronchitis and 17,600 cases of acute bronchitis in children. in addition, an estimated 360,000 asthma attacks and 386,000 cases of respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children will also be avoided every year.