Hydroquinone: Is it really a health hazard?

Is hydroquinone (HQ) safe? This has been a source of controversy for some time.Well, the truth is that there NO conclusive research to suggest that HQ applied topically is unsafe. The existing research was conducted using rats that CONSUMED the HQ orally which is interesting. In fact, the American FDA is still in early stages of conducting conclusive research on the safety of topical administered HQ. See the FDA statement here 
The bad publicity received by HQ it appears was mostly as a result of its adulteration with other hazardous substances. Also skin diseases associated with HQ like onchronosis are extremely rare. Several group have made arguments for and against the use of hydroquinone. Highly respected skin care specialist Paula Begouin thinks HQ should NOT be banned. See the article here