Yes, of course. These mutant people are depicted as a result of the nuclear experiments conducted in that area. They are horribly disfigured, living off the wasteland and are, quite literally, a product of their environment. Their savage and cruel nature is juxtaposed to the normality of the stranded family, amplifying the horror of the situation. This not only presents them as frightening antagonists but also raises questions about society's responsibility toward the aftermath of such damaging practices.