• A recent randomized controlled trial conducted in rural Uganda revealed that substituting kerosene or charcoal lighting with solar lights significantly improved indoor air quality and health. 

• Among the women involved in the study, the incidence of respiratory symptoms decreased from 57.1% to 36.1% following the switch. 

• The researchers also observed significant changes in gut microbiota diversity, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and eukaryotes, emphasizing a "gut-lung axis." These microbiome alterations were linked to a 32% reduction in the risk of respiratory symptoms. 

• The study, led by Dr. Peggy Lai and Joseph Allen published on May 21 in Environmental Health Perspectives, indicates that the negative effects of indoor air pollution may extend beyond respiratory issues, potentially affecting gut health. 

• The results advocate for the use of cleaner energy sources not only to improve respiratory health but also to promote a healthier microbiome, suggesting that future interventions might focus on gut health to mitigate the impacts of pollution.

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