Health problems caused by secondhand smoke cost the state of Minnesota an estimated $215.7 million annually, according to a report from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

The company based its report on state-specific data as well as the 2006 Surgeon General's report on secondhand smoke. If accurate, the estimate would place the cost of secondhand smoking in Minnesota higher than the combined state budget for early childhood education, transportation, and the Department of Agriculture.

"These data show that passing a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law is good health policy and good economic policy," said Marc Manley, M.D., vice president and medical director for population health at Blue Cross. "The 2006 Surgeon General's report made it clear once again that secondhand smoke exposure harms nonsmokers. Knowing how much this is costing us -- as businesses, individuals and as a state -- it is also very important to consider these costs in the debate at the capitol."

The Health Care Costs and Secondhand Smoke study was conducted by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in collaboration with Blue Cross. It includes the direct costs of treating conditions caused by secondhand smoke, but not costs for long-term care or lost productivity.

The report estimated that at least 581 Minnesotans die each year as the result of secondhand-smoke exposure. The study is available online.