I don't use woodshavings for our hamsters because of the many reports of hamsters getting respiratory problems from both the dust and the volatile oils contained within the wood.
That said, I'm still using them for our GP's as I haven't found a satisfactory, affordable alternative and I don't have any personal experience of hamsters having problems with shavings - I suspect many people on the "other" hamster sites grossly exaggerate the risks of problems associated with shavings-use. I'm sure hamsters have lived full and happy lives for years on shavings - before all the fancy new beddings came out.
I know Souffle and Pophammy use shavings - and you've only to look at their hamsters to see they are happy, healthy and long-lived (in fact
why am I forking our for carefresh exactly??
).
With regard to the lavender/lemon "scented" shavings - I personally wouldn't touch them. I don't know whther the lemon/lavender fragrances are from natural essential oils or artificially produced fragrances - either way I'm certain there are risks to the hamster living in close contact with these scents every day - from allergies and from the chemicals being absorbed into the body. I am an aromatherapist and I'm very aware of the risks of toxicity from over-exposure to essential oils - if they contain natural essential oils that's probably worse than artificial chemicals. To me they are designed to appeal to humans rather than the animal that has to live in close contact with them, breathing in the fumes every day, but that's just my opinion - with the trend towards natural living, "lavender" is an advertisers dream - but there are toxicity risks with over-exposure.
I say go for it with the plain shavings though Jane - I might join you