To improve the dust pollution problem in tunnel boring processes, we used numerical simulation and on-site measurement. First, airflow and dust transport law under initial conditions are analyzed. The dust spreads to the entire tunnel at T = 200 s, and the average dust concentration is >400 mg/m3. Next, we determined the optimal pressure air volume (QY) is 600m3/min, the optimal extraction air volume (QC) is 480m3/min., and the pressure pumping ratio (X) is 1.25. Compared with the initial values, the dust removal efficiency was improved by 59.93%. Then, combined with the linear regression method, we found that the effect of QY on the dust concentration (y) at the roadheader driver's area was positively correlated and the effect of QC on y was negatively correlated. Finally, the accuracy of the numerical simulation was verified by on-site measurement. This provides important reference values for ensuring the health of roadheader drivers. Display omitted •Analysis of the dust transportation law of airflow.•Study the dust control effect under different pressure and pumping ratio conditions.•Determined the optimal pressure and pumping ratios and optimal dust control parameters.•Linear regression analysis of dust concentration at the driver's location.