try going to the store and asking.. just a thought...
when i went to the store and asked [but again, not sure which one] i had a choice of birch and pine.
and i'm so paranoid, everything time i do go, i always ask.. what type of wood is this... [hehe they probably hate me]
anyways, do want the dowel pins or the whole dowels? i can get some dowel pins and send them to you, i'm in the usa. the dowel pins i get are safe.. there is also a site with dowels made from all different types of woods... even popular, but i think you have to buy in bulk and my store isn't that big yet so those i dont' order.
jean