Are dowels safe?

I was at menards today, and I noticed their large selection of wooden dowels. I new that they would make fun ledges that would give my chins something other than flat surfaces to walk on, but I wasn't sure if they were safe. After looking on their website, I found that they were either made of oak or poplar. I know oak isn't safe, but is store bought poplar ok? How would it have to be prepared?

Thanks!