I also keep many hundreds of rats on regular pine and have for 5+ years generation after generation with many of them as pets that are my wifes personal favorites. Never have had any respitory problems whatsoever.
Now what does cause respitory problems is keeping rodents in enclosed tanks with little ventilation caused by the the fumes from their constant peeing and pooping. The bedding is irrelevant. Some could very easily blame the bedding but the reality is they need cages with screened or grated tops that allow alot of air circulation.
I have seen several theories on the internet that are based on assumptions more than facts, for instance, dont feed in the enclosure because they will bite you whenever you open the cage. This is bunk but still is believed and preached passionately by many.
I am a fulltime newspaper guy for BP's now but have kept my kings on dried pine and aspen with the same results, perfectly fine.
I dont use dried pine on the rats (even hairless) and for many years and have never had any problems at all, ever.
For snakes I would say only dried pine and you are fine, rodents either one
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