The main problem for pine (shavings) and mainly ceder are the oils and saps that can irritate the lungs and respiritory tracts of rodents, and also cause liver problems.
http://www.equinepine.com/why.html
The pine pellets I use are kiln dried, effectivly removing most (but not all) of the harmful oils, acids and fumes of the pine. Aspen is a hardwood and does not have these same properties as soft wood shavings, so aspen shavings are great, but the dustiness does not appeal to me or the rats.The 100% kiln dried pine is sterile, as well as mold and bacteria free. Kiln drying also removes the natural oils, eliminating unhealthy aromatic hydrocarbons found in unprocessed shavings. There are no contaminants, such as those in products containing hardwoods.
Woody pet is also made from a soft wood, and they claim the same effectivness for removing 'dangerous aromatic hydrocarbons (along with resins, oils, tars, acids and water'
I use the Equine Fresh pellets and am extremly happy with them. I would gladly use aspen pellets, but it is not cost effective to do so, or available.
If you hate the idea of using any soft wood, I recommend checking out some alternatives like hay pellets, newpaper pellets etc...
http://www.greenpet.com/prodaspen.htm
http://www.leithpetwerks.com/prodpag...rod_code=CS200
http://www.oxbowhay.com/Shop/showPro...?PRODUCT_NO=59
http://www.airlitetx.com/critter_chips.htm
http://www.mtnmeadowspet.com/
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