It is very important to understand that yes coals (those which are not natural, e.g. QL coals) contain chemicals that are very harmful and it is helpful to remember that hookah smoking is almost 2X more harmful in carbon monoxide poisoning than ciggarettes are with CO poisoning. When you feel really good inside and shaky, blurred vision, dizzyness and feeling of being very heavy, you MUST go outside for at least 10 minutes and try out some cardiovascular activities as well as take very deep long breathes to get the oxygen back into your system. The good feeling you feel is not good at all and is not the result of some 'god-like' shisha, it is your blood and your brain being poisoned.
CO is the result of incomplete combustion, with coals this is prevalent. Up to 30-60% of CO gas is inhaled through hookah smoke with Quick Light coals including a chemical coating that allows them to light so easily. I would reccomend AlSultan Natural coals manufactured in Australia. You will only inhale up to 5% of CO during a hookah session and headaches will not occur. It is very hard to remove these headaches (as I've come to notice in my first use of a hookah in this past week) because this is your brain being poisoned and the only cure being a fresh source of oxygen. I have already ordered two 25 pack boxes of AlSultan natural coals and will not smoke hookah with quick-lights ever again, no matter how convenient they may be! I will not sacrifice my health for convenience, as I'm sure many of you do believe in as well.