Oxidative DNA damage and global DNA hypomethylation are related to folate deficiency in chromate manufacturing workers

► Chronic occupational chromate exposure induced folate deficiency and increase in oxidative DNA damage and DNA strand breaks. ► Folate deficiency in turn could enhance DNA damages and global DNA hypomethylation in chronic occupational chromate exposed workers. ► Suitable supplement of folate for chromate exposed workers may bring protection against genomic instability and oxidative damage caused by hexavalent chromium.