Calcium carbide is identified as a hazardous material, leading to significant shipping fees, often around $60. However, some users have found suppliers offering smaller quantities, such as 500g for $8, with potentially lower shipping costs. The discussion highlights the transition from carbide lamps, which are no longer sold in the U.S., to battery-powered alternatives for caving, citing their safety and convenience. There is a clarification on the chemical differences between calcium carbide (CaC2), which produces flammable acetylene gas when reacting with water, and calcium chloride (CaCl2), which is used as a desiccant. For purchasing, options include a website offering a pound for $12.50 with shipping included, and VWR, which sells larger quantities at varying prices. Shipping costs can vary greatly depending on the urgency of delivery, with overnight shipping significantly increasing expenses due to regulatory requirements.
